Steinbrenner Volleyball Starts Fast in Its 2012 Debut

The Steinbrenner Warriors volleyball team has put together a respectable reputation in just its fourth year of existence. They have amassed a 66-21 record and have never fallen short of the regional semifinals.

But they recently graduated both team captains, including scorching outside hitter Miranda Powell (309 kills in 2011). To further complicate matters, head coach Jennifer Graham stepped down, leaving a coaching void.

However, the Warriors found solid replacements for their athletes and a hidden gem in a new coach.

Losing Powell would normally complicate any team's attack strategy. Not at Steinbrenner. Senior outside hitter Madison Seuzeneau steps in after actually leading the team in kills last year with 341.

Seuzeneau "is so coachable," new head coach Laura Stegenga said. "I trust her at every position."

Stegenga noted that being coachable is a rare and sought-after trait in a senior athlete's relationship with a first-year coach.

And Stegenga is not your typical first-year coach. She is just two years removed from playing collegiate volleyball at the State College of Florida in Bradenton. She also coached some of the players on her current Steinbrenner roster as coach of the Tampa Storm Volleyball Club.

"There is no ceiling for this team," Stegenga said. "It's a choice for them how far they want to go."

If the season opener was any indication, Stegenga might be onto something. The Warriors blanked Sickles in three straight sets 25-16, 26-24, 25-21. Junior outside hitter Rachel Mathison recorded 10 kills, including killshots on the final two points of the match.

Mathison "is a strong, responsive player that places the ball well," Stegenga said.

It doesn't stop there.

Senior libero Natalia Campos returned 15 Sickles serves and only made five errors. Campos taking over for leading service returner Cary Anne Bame makes it seem like the team won't miss a beat.

Sophomore middle hitter and blocking force Lauren Heldt is a 6-foot-1 wall that controls the middle of the court. Sophomore outside hitter Avery Bradshaw recorded seven kills in the opening match and is a powerful hitter, as well.

Bradshaw "was a varisty player as a freshman," Stegenga said. "She is a clutch player that can jump out of the gym."

Bradshaw has a respectable vertical leap and helps Heldt at the net blocking shots.

The 2012 Warriors, at least at first glance, appear to be poised to improve and not regress. They faced Wiregrass Ranch, Leto and Robinson this week leading into the East Coast Invitational tournament in Jensen Beach this weekend.

Stay tuned to Lutz Patch for updates on this exciting team.