Photo by Holden Rodgers Senior Sage Post digs the ball against rival Pantego Christian Academy at the pink-out Oct. 1.
Lady lions hold up under pressure: undefeated in district
Lions know how to perform under pressure
By Holden Rodgers
Screams echoing in her head. Red and black in the corner of her eye. Junior Courtnie Crayton is serving in the rivalry game against Pantego Christian Academy with the opposing team’s fans standing mere inches behind her and screaming to try to throw her off.
This pressure from the crowd does not faze Crayton.
“I focus on the game and block out all the distractions around me,” said Crayton, setter.
Pressure like this seems to be what varsity lady lions are facing this season after coming off a TAPPS 4A State Championship last year, the team feels the pressure this year to do well. To counteract that high expectation, they are really focused on winning again this year.
Head Coach Prentice Lewis reminds the team to live in the present and not let past seasons cloud.
“Every season is a different season…you rarely have all the same players,” said Coach Lewis.
Head Coach Prentice Lewis is leading the team for the 3rd year here. She actively coaches the team at the pink-out on Oct. 1 against Pantego.
Our coach is working with a new team every year but is working for the same result every year which is to win state.
“We had some pretty stellar athletes last year and are definitely missing them … but our younger athletes are learning quickly,” said Lewis.
Lewis is already overcoming the loss of her seniors and is now looking down the road to state.
“We are 23-6 and improving daily,” said Coach Lewis. We are working on different skills to increase our chances for success.”
Lewis is making sure everything is perfect before we make our run for state.
Senior Outside Hitter Sage Post, being one of only two seniors this year has a big task this year to bring the lions back to state.
“I want to win another ring and improve myself,” said Post.
Post is ready to win state again and is hoping to advance her skills on the way.
Working everyday to lead and guide her team on and off the court is Post’s goal, and to stay focused for state.
“I keep them accountable on and off the court and am always encouraging the girls to keep their spirits up,” said Post.
Post now committed to play for Lubbock Christian University, has had a lot of pressure taken off her shoulders and now has full focus on winning state again.
“It’s nice to know that I get to play in college and now have less pressure when I play,” said Post.
The team knows there is a pressure to make it back to state but they know they have the ability to do so as long as they put their mind to it and stay focused on the road ahead.
Stay updated as the lady lions continue on their journey for another ring.
