With twelve new players and one returning sophomore, there is a new attitude of commitment and dedication for the City College Rams Volleyball team.

Head Coach Ed Parker is counting on this attitude to take his team to its second consecutive conference championship.

Although the Rams are defending Coast Conference co-champions, Parker is hoping to rebuild the team and implement a whole new program.

“We are developing a system that we coaches feel is rock solid,” Parker said.  “We want to establish ourselves in the volleyball community.”

Equipped with a new assistant coaching staff, including offensive specialist Fauzi Lei and former all-star Jazmin Pratt, Parker is determined to plug up any holes in the program’s system.

“There is a big stigma that City College has fallen off the chart over the last couple of years,” Parker said.  “We are working on re-establishing our reputation.”

Fauzi is also concerned about the Rams’ future.

“We want to establish a high standard at the community college level to train them and get them ready for recruitment to a four-year college,” Fauzi said.

Parker said that the key element to a successful program is team chemistry, and asks his players to work, study and play hard while making smart decisions. Parker insists this approach will develop a strong team that will come together and play as a unit.

“The goal of this program is not only building athletic ability, but to have a strong concentration on communication skills, self respect, dignity and integrity among these young women,” Parker said.  “If they work and play hard as a team, this will carry over to their school work and help them become better communicators.”

Parker is counting on returning sophomore captain Monica Sparks to lead the team with her experience and athleticism. Parker feels Sparks solves problems on the court and said he is convinced she handles herself and others with respect.

Sparks has been playing volleyball since the sixth grade. Her recognition at Jefferson High School in Daly City included being named Most Valuable Player her sophomore year, Most Improved Player in her junior year and team captain her sophomore and senior year.

Sparks also has the experience of playing on last year’s championship team which garnered a winning 9-1 record, even though eight players were plagued with injuries.

“We did have problems in the past with our records and teams, but we deserve recognition because we are returning co-champions,” Sparks said.  “If we could push that hard with eight injured players, I can only imagine what we can do with 15.”

Parker said he will use the next tournament to assess the team.

“It’s important we generate the proper combination of players for us to compete,” Parker said.  “As we gain experience we will create our game plan and make more adjustments.” 

E-mail: kkinney@theguardsman.com

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