DPCA Hosts Annual Volleyball Awards Night

by Marla Pranger

On Wednesday, November 6, Darren Patterson Christian Academy hosted a dinner and an awards ceremony to honor the 12 girls that made up their Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Teams.   Athletic Director Tom Navarrette welcomed families, guests, and players, and thanked parents for their support throughout the season.  "We couldn't run our sports' programs without you, our parent volunteers," said Navarrette, "we appreciate you more than you know."

   

Following dinner, Head Coach Ben Little took the stage.  “We had a good season,” he stated, “we didn’t have a winning season, but it was a good season because I saw improvement in each player and a desire from the team to get better.”   He went on to say how this season was ‘different’ because of cancellations and scheduling changes due to the flooding that had impacted some schools in the league.  “We didn’t have our first game until the end of September, and then had to play double headers just to fit everything in before the end of the season.  This made things a little more difficult for everyone, but I think we managed well.”  Coach Little then thanked the team and the parents for “the opportunity to coach” and he especially thanked Mr. Derek Bos, who filled in for him as Head Coach during his absences when leading the EMH (Ekklesia Mountain High) outdoor education courses.  “Not only was I gone for the EMH trips," he noted, "but so were three of our players.  Mr. Bos did a great job stepping in during these times and we all appreciated that.” 

  

Coach Little concluded the evening by recognizing each player’s contribution to the team and then awarded certificates, letters, and medals.

Receiving Most Improved Player honors for the JV Team was eighth grader Alli Dages.  Varsity Awards went to freshman Heather Burdges (Most Improved), junior Becca Pranger (Most Valuable Player; All-Conference) and senior Becca Wade (Most Valuable Player). 

   

JV Team:  Sarah Dages, Katelyn Davis, Alli Dages, Coach Little, Maddie Montera, Shelby Phillips, Emily Lague, Katie Busch.

Varsity:  Syndey McManamay, Becca Pranger, Kate Lundy, Maddie Montera, Becca Wade, Emily LaGue, Alli Dages, Heather Burdges, Shelby Phillips, Coach Little.

Awards Photo:  Alli Dages, Becca Pranger, Heather Burdges, Becca