Lady Rams set for success

MINERAL WELLS — The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word team as “a number of people associated together through an activity.” In the past, that’s always been how it is for the Lady Rams; a group of girls that come together to play a game they all love.
But this year everything is different.
The season has only just begun and the Mineral Wells High School volleyball team is already sending waves through the community. With some new hardware under their belt one of which being the 1ST place gold ball from the Castleberry tournament – there are whispers everywhere. Where did this team with already so much potential pull out all of this momentum from? What’s different about this year from last? Will they continue to pull out all the stops?
And just how far will this year take them?
The year started out tough for these ladies, and yet they’ve managed to put up a tremendous fight. While, in past years, they’ve started out with ‘easy games’ and little need to fight, this year they’ve faced some of the toughest teams they’ll face all season; Iowa Park, Alverado, Lindsay, Dumas, Millsap, and so many more.
They’ve come back for revenge against Lake Worth in the game that won them the Castleberry tournament, beat Breckenridge and Caprock to score themselves a spot in the gold bracket at the Lu Allen Memorial Tournament – one of the biggest tournaments in the area).
They also fought their hardest against two very renowned teams, with one team going home runner up in the tournament. All the while, the girls have kept their spirits up and fought for every single game.
Nothing has been given to this team; they’ve earned it all.
It’s not easy to adjust to all the changes these girls have had either. A new coach means new coaching styles, new rotations, and a new way of playing the sport in general. However, new doesn’t necessarily mean bad, and coach Kimberly Branch is living proof of it.
She’s only been working with these girls a few short months, and she’s already made an imprint on this team. Beloved by the whole community and the girls, Branch has begun the process of molding this potential- packed team into a more cohesive group.
Branch, assistant coach Brent Tincher, and coaches Brandie Campbell and Breanna Hinojos, bring a fun atmosphere to practice and a fierce attitude for games, putting the pressure on the Lady Rams when it’s needed.
So far, it’s been working out great for everyone.
Volleyball as a sport is 90% attitude and heart, and the girls on this team are prime examples of everything young student- athletes should be. Any team can have an amazing coach or great opportunities, but at the end of the day the ones on the court and bench are the ones that make or break the game.
They’ve got a long season ahead of them, but this is one tough team. If anyone can take it, it’s these kids. They’ve got all the support and all of the will any team could ever ask for.
With the aforementioned questions standing, and so many more looming in their future, these ladies continue to work hard, putting everything they have into this game, and leaving everyone wondering if this really will be their year.