The Jordan Panthers are poised for a breakout season this year with a 35-player program and an increased talent level despite the year-long layoff. The only challenge on the Northside was finding a coach. After a candidate who accepted the job ended up backing out, athletic director Lamar Biffle has taken over helping the team practice the last few weeks.
“We’re still working on the coaching situation and we’re hoping to have that resolved in the next week,” he said. “They’re still practicing and they’re still enthusiastic in spite of everything–we’ve got some talent and we’re able to field three levels this year.”
Biffle used to referee volleyball and said he has a good grasp on the sport from that perspective, and has been helped by other veteran coaches who have volunteered to help with strategy in the short term.
The team’s key contributors include senior Faatele Sulu, a rare upperclassmen on the young team. Freshman Savannah Hernandez will make an immediate impact playing alongside her sister, Marlene Hernandez. Most of the team are juniors with Kaylee Teng, Jocelyn Heng, Letisia Finua, and Aracely Jaramillo all expected to contribute.
