Somers Volleyball Preview: Two coaches, one goal for Tuskers

SOMERS, N.Y. - For the second consecutive season, Somers volleyball found itself without a coach. But with the new year ready to get underway, the Tuskers now have two.

“Pamela Heitman went to Hen Hud,” said Diane Swertfager, “and I’ve known her for seven years. There was an opening here and I said, ‘you should take it.’ So she was like, ‘you want to work together, and I said, ‘cool. Let’s do it,’ and there you have it.”

As for the younger of the two, she didn’t hold back.

“When I played volleyball I looked up to her. I saw her as Hen Hud and was amazed by what she did,” said the co-coach. “It’s such a pleasure to work by her side.”

The mentor couldn’t give it up, though. After retiring two years ago, volunteering her time with John Jay volleyball, and helping out with the grandkids, she still felt a void. “I wanted a little bit more,” she said.

The co-coach got it, and both are happy to start with a glut at setter.

“Katie Kourakos is a great all around player with great hands. Khloe Kishart is a phenomenal setter. She really knows how to place the ball, and Alivia Donaldson is very dynamic,” said Heitman. “She has great hands but she can also play front row, block and hit.”

All three are great servers, too, but there’s still plenty of room for the hitters to tee it up.

“We have nine seniors this year,” said Swertfager. “We’re still looking at the versatility of the gang, and who can play middle, outside and right.”

Defense will play a part in the decision.

“I’m a strategist. We’re going to go up against some great hitters. So we want our best blockers,” said Swertfager.

Either way, Abby Babboni, Kathryn Moesta, Svea Almquist, Shari Marrero, and Morgan and Maegan Brown will have the hot hand above the net — left, right, center — it doesn’t matter.

“They can play any position,” said Heitman.

Claire Cronin included, she’s also a multi-talent.

“She can hit as well and is great on defense and the block,” said Swertfager.

Further back, the coaches feel the back line is stacked, too.

“We have quite a few defensive specialists,” said Swertfager. “They have great hustle for the ball and a never give up attitude.”

Of course, they’d like to go further than the semifinals this year, but there’s no doubt that the present moment has all involved on the winning side.

“I feel we’re really blessed to walk into this gym,” concluded Swertfager. “The energy each day is tremendous. They bring a lot of enthusiasm, they’re always talking and they’re always cheering.”