After the departure of previous coach Allison Inanoria, Roland Pablo took the position of JV girls volleyball head coach in August, Pablo said.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to step in, since I was already coaching at a local club, and contribute in a positive manner,” Pablo said. 

Stepping into his role, Pablo said he prioritizes team bonding and wants to build an inclusive setting for players to work with one another.

“I specifically focus on making things fun instead of making them do drills and work on just mechanics,” Pablo said. “Good team chemistry lays the foundation for everyone to get better in their individual positions, as well as the team getting better as a whole.” 

Throughout the summer before volleyball season began, Pablo said he implemented extra practices to provide the team with time to develop both connections and skills. 

“The team wanted to have as much playing time as possible, which meant to me that they were really interested and excited to play,” Pablo said. “[The summer practices] helped with team chemistry, because they got to build those friendships before this year’s season.”

Pablo’s teaching style has helped the freshmen players grow closer to other players, strengthening the team’s collaborative work ethic, right side hitter, freshman Lili Tamar said.

“Most of us just met each other, and everyone comes from different backgrounds and different experiences,” Tamar said. “He helped to get everyone up to pace, and the team energy is amazing. We’re ready to improve and learn under coach Roland’s leadership.”

Aside from building team connections, Pablo said he wants to help players meet their individual goals. 

“I know that a lot of girls are aspiring to play for varsity, so I try to instill in them the mindset that it takes hard work and effort to get to that level,” Pablo said. “I also train and teach them some of the same things that varsity plays in terms of defensive schemes and techniques, so that they learn some of that before they actually make the team.”

Outsider, freshman Chelsea Dahl said Pablo has helped her adjust to the high school volleyball team and improve her habits on the court. 

“He is really energetic, and he likes to put in the effort to teach players and help them with their fundamentals and basics,” Dahl said. “He’s taught me to figure out the HHS system, with things like refereeing for varsity and how practices work. He helped me to correct some of my bad habits by reminding me to hit the ball straight down.”

Furthermore, setter and middle hitter, sophomore Cerie Huang said Pablo’s ability to foster a strong team dynamic provides hope for the team’s success this year. 

“He will bring a lot of new strategies and playing styles to HHS,” Huang said. “Coach Roland is very inclusive, and he always does his best to help people reach their full potential.”

Looking forward to the season, Pablo said he wants to guide all team members in building better, improved experiences with playing volleyball. 

“The most meaningful success that I can have is helping and teaching others to succeed,” Pablo said. “I have a lot to teach when it comes to volleyball, not just the mechanics and fundamentals, but also teamwork and other aspects. Helping them have a better experience in volleyball will make coaching worthwhile.”