Dawson set to challenge for 22-6A volleyball crown
August 3, 2015
PEARLAND — Dawson volleyball coach Jason Karim has done a great job in moving the Lady Eagles volleyball program forward and it appears that his girls should challenge defending champion Pearland for the 22-6A title and make a deep run in the playoffs.
"We will be a very young team this season with many sophomores scattered throughout the starting lineup," Karim said. "Our ability to grow mentally will be the difference between winning and losing. My hope is that they learn to pay attention to detail and understand that the smallest details can yield the biggest results."
Dawson posted a 28-15 overall mark last season while going 11-5 in District 22-6A competition to finish in third place behind Pearland and Alvin.
Karim will welcome four returning starters who should provide the on-court leadership to take Dawson to the next level.
Leading the way will be senior middle blocker Zoe Hill who had over 200 kills last year while being named to the All-District 22-6A first-team.
Junior Libero Jordan Brown was an All-District second-team pick while registering 573 digs.
Sophomore outside hitter Jordyn Sinnette was recognized as the District 22-6A "Newcomer of the Year" for her outstanding play last season.
Senior DS Diana Rambo is also another returning starter who posted 143 digs.
Hill and Brown were both named to the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association FAB 50 for the upcoming season.
"We are looking for Zoe’s explosiveness in the middle," Karim said. "Zoe is a big threat offensively but also has a huge block that can really make it difficult for other hitters to score."
Karim also will look to get strong leadership from Rambo in the backrow to keep Dawson in many games this year.
"Jordan returns as our libero and will take control of the defense," Karim pointed out. " Her ability to read the ball and get touches on plays is going to be something that helps us get the edge on many teams."
Sinnette played on the right side for Dawson last year, but with both outside hitters gone due to graduation, Karim will move Sinnette to the left placing a lot of pressure on her shoulders to score points and be an offensive threat.
But the cupboard isn't bare as Dawson returns eight lettermen.
"Grace Foltyn returns as one of our setters," Karim said. "She has been working on her technique during the off-season and we are looking for her to run the offense."
Another letterman is Katelynn Tripp will also be another player who needs to be an offensive threat. Tripp played middle for Dawson last season and did a great job with the pressure of playing as a freshman.
Junior outside hitter Adrien Valdez will be a junior and will look to join Sinnette on the outside. Also, Marisabel Torres returns to anchor what will be a very solid defensive unit.
Karim also looks forward to welcoming some young players to the team this season and is confident that they will develop into outstanding players in the future.
"Sarah Kirk joins the team as a sophomore setter," Karim said. "She is a dynamic player who can set and also hit and block in the front row. She has many tools that we hope to use to our advantage.
"Kynnedi Johnson is also an explosive freshman who will be a hitter this year. Her offensive ability could be the difference in some close games this year."
Karim believes that this should be a very exciting year and expects to surprise some teams that underestimate the Lady Eagles because of their youth and the quality seniors who graduated this past season.
Plus, Karim has proven he is one of the outstanding young volleyball coaches in the Houston area and Dawson will take the court unafraid of their competition while being well-prepared to compete against the best that the Houston area has to offer.
