The California Pintos' volleyball team faces an important first step Aug. 17, when they play their jamboree at Rock Bridge in Columbia.
The jamboree begins at 6 p.m. and the Pintos will play against two Class 5 teams - Rock Bridge and Battle. The teams will compete in two sets to 21 points.
Head coach Julie Bailey said she believes the team can learn a lot from this experience.
"We can see how we can come together as a team," Bailey said. "Those are two 5A schools that we will be competing against and they are going to push us. It will be some of the toughest competition that we face all year, so it is good that we can start that way and see what we need to work on.
"If we can compete against two 5A schools, then I think we have a good outlook for the season."
Bailey said one of the goals for the team this year is to make it to the championship games of the tournaments they will be playing in this season.
"We played well in those tournaments last year. But, we didn't make it to the championship game and I would like to see that this year," Bailey said.
The team looks to continue the success it had last year, when it won 28 games and won their district. Bailey said even though the team lost six seniors, the team has a lot of depth and can succeed in their goals.
Even with the loss of the seniors, the team will have plenty of leaders thanks to their three current seniors - Chloe Schenewerk, Caitlin Halsey and Brooke Lage. The juniors are also helping with the leadership position.
"We have really great kids in our program," Bailey said. "They're great kids with great character. They're involved in school and they're academically very strong. It has been such an easy progression, since they are such great kids."
Going into this season, the team's spirits are high, according to Bailey.
"They work hard. They work well together. They communicate well together. And, they are really positive," Bailey said. "They know it is really important as a teammate to think what is best for the team. And, they have all been willing to step into that role and be good teammates."
The importance of hard work is a lesson Bailey hopes the students take away from being a part of the team.
"We've always focused on working hard. Work hard and you will get better," Bailey said. "They always amaze me with their work ethic; and that is going to carry them in life."