As the Patriot Pioneers gear up for another season in the competitive Cedar Run District, head coach Katie Moore reflects on last year's journey and the lessons learned. "Last season, we had a young team with two juniors, six sophomores, and two freshmen," Moore recalls. "We came in second in the district despite our inexperience with the varsity game's pace. This year, we've emphasized the importance of fundamental skills, repetition, and practice, focusing on small group skills to unlock our players' full potential."
The Pioneers are not just building on the past but also looking forward to a promising future. The offseason brought significant developments, including returning players who have garnered interest from Division I, II, and III colleges. Most of the returning athletes have also enjoyed success with their club teams, adding valuable experience to the roster.
The upcoming schedule is packed with challenging matchups that will test the Pioneers' mettle. "We always schedule tough teams outside of our district, mainly from our region," Moore explains. "We're excited to play against Colgan, Colonial Forge, and Mountain View High School. Additionally, we've added a scrimmage with Riverside and a match with St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC."
Filling the shoes of key players lost from last season, like Lanie Goff, who is now playing at Robert Morris University, has been a focus for Moore and her coaching staff. The competition for the libero role is fierce, with several defensive specialists vying for the position, each bringing unique skills to the table.
As the season approaches, several players stand out as ones to watch. Soleil Rancourt, a 6'2" outside hitter, earned first team all-district and first team all-region honors in 2023. Sydney Bennett, another 6'2" talent, dominates as a middle blocker, with accolades including first team all-district and second team all-region in 2023. Elizabeth Gordon, a 5'11" middle blocker, also made honorable mention last year.
In the setter position, the Pioneers are fortunate to have Anisa Flowers and Danika Swanson. Flowers, standing at 5'4", was named to the second team all-district in 2022, while the 5'9" Swanson earned the same recognition in 2023.
With a blend of returning talent and new potential, the Patriot Pioneers are set for an exciting season.
Key Players:
Soleil Rancourt – 6’2” Outside Hitter
Sydney Bennett – 6’2” Middle Blocker
Elizabeth Gordon – 5’11” Middle Blocker
Anisa Flowers – 5’4” Setter
Danika Swanson – 5’9” Setter
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