Southfield

Southfield High volleyball putting in the work

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by David Schreiber Southfield High volleyball captains Daijah Thomas, left, and Cassadine Reed hope to lead the Blue Jays to an OAA Blue title. Photo by David Schreiber Southfield High volleyball captains Daijah Thomas, left, and Cassadine Reed hope to lead the Blue Jays to an OAA Blue title.

SOUTHFIELD — Southfield High senior Cassadine Reed admits it can be tough to get out of bed when the sun hasn’t risen yet and she’s on summer vacation, but missing the extra hours of shut-eye for volleyball is worth it.

“I just wanted to stay in bed, but we have to be dedicated, be able to wake up, have a good practice like we had today to accomplish our goals,” she said as the early morning session of practice came to an end. “It’s tough, but we have to push through it, and put aside what we want to do for what we have to do. Volleyball is only a couple of months, so we have to sacrifice to come in and work hard.”

The Blue Jays practice five days a week, but on three of them they have a morning session from 6-8 a.m. and then meet again for a 6-8 p.m. session.

“We figure, to be ahead of the game, we have to get in some more touches,” coach Dana Cooper said.

This is Cooper’s second year with the program and Southfield is preparing again to battle in the Oakland Activities Association Blue Division.

The Blue Jays return six players and three starters from last season. They’re counting on Reed and senior Daijah Thomas as outside hitters to provide power on the offensive and defensive side.

Along with the early mornings, Cooper has seen plenty of dedication from her team.

“They are a very determined group to do well. I think that’s their push, the motivation in and of itself, on and off the court,” the coach said.

Cooper said that last season one of her goals was to learn the players and begin to form her own program, but this year it’s different.

“Coming in, putting my stamp on the program last season wasn’t really my idea last year; I wanted to get a feel,” she said. “This year, it’s all about putting my stamp on it and getting the girls to mesh and work as a team. Our motto is ‘one team, one family.’ We’re really honing in on that this year.”
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062. Follow Christian on Twitter.