Area high school athletes work to soothe pre-tryout jitters, make team

High school freshmen should listen to Kevia Cook. The St. Mary's junior volleyball player knows what they're going through this morning.

"I was them," she said. "I totally was nervous about being around older players; the speed they play at and how hard they hit the ball. I really didn't want to look bad."

Plenty of high school athletes have plenty of jitters with fall tryouts opening all over the area today in cross country, field hockey, football, gymnastics, boys soccer, softball, boys tennis and volleyball. Most boys golf tryouts were last week.

Cook and players from 15 other area high schools and some from outside the area went to a three-hour volleyball camp at the Aces volleyball facility in Monument on Aug. 3 to prepare for this week's tryouts.

Someone who understands freshman intimidation is Colorado Springs Christian School sophomore Lauren Santarelli, who made the junior varsity as a freshman for a program on its way to winning its fourth straight 3A state title last fall. The Lions were led by 2007 Gazette Small School Volleyball Player of the Year Morgan Broekhuis.

"It gets real intimidating when you see Morgan hit the ball for the first time," she said.

The purpose of the camp was for players to knock the rust off their volleyball skills, which Halle McCullough of James Irwin gladly took advantage of after weeks away from competitive play. Many used it as a chance to prepare mentally.

"You're going to get tired," said Doherty freshman Lauren Ossolinski. "You need to hide it and let it out during the water breaks. If you make a mistake, don't think about it. Just keep pushing through."

Colorado Juniors club coach Bill Peer , who ran the camp, emphasized getting along with the other players, hustle and a willingness to do the little things, such as collect loose balls.

"He told us what the coaches are looking for," said Cheyenne Mountain freshman Kristen Sullivan. "It's about working together and being part of the team."

Cook said getting along is very important when your skills are comparable to another's.

"You have to talk; be noticed," she said. "Have fun and remember these are going to be your teammates."

Mostly, relax. Even the best players make mistakes, especially in the first practice.

"Eventually you just realize they're players," Santarelli said. "Just like anyone."