Dutchtown hosts Assumption in a volleyball game, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Dutchtown High School in Geismar, La. There is excitement surrounding Prairieville’s first official football event — Thursday’s Dutchtown Jamboree. However, first dibs on a new school’s first high school event goes to the Hurricanes’ volleyball team.
Coach Chandra Ewen’s squad is set to compete in the Greater Baton Rouge Jamboree Wednesday at Woodlawn. “I don’t know how to put this into words,” Ewen said. “This has been so special to be part of.
“We don’t harp on goals like other teams. We’re building from scratch. These kids have come in and bought into what we’ve asked them to do from Day 1.
” Prairieville faces Liberty to tip off its first varsity rotation at the jamboree. The Hurricanes also face West Feliciana in a rotation that begins at 6:30 p.m.
One contest is one 25-point set. Like most teams at the new Ascension Parish high school, PVHS’ volleyball squad is made up primarily of freshmen who have no varsity experience. Ewen, previously the head coach at St.
Amant, said the handful of upper classmen have limited experience. Over the last two months, Ewen and her assistant coaches have built a strong bond with their team. The comfort level is now so high that the youngsters admit they were scared of Ewen during their first workouts.
“We’re freshman at heart and experience wise,” Ewen said. “And to watch them grow as leaders and improve their skills is refreshing. “There are no pre-set expectations for any of the kids.
They just get to be who they are. We do have talent. I am still ridiculously honored that Randy (Loving, Prairieville principal) has allowed me to do this.
” Ewen has pondered how her squad could do if they played a freshman team schedule. But her focus on successes she expects to see over the next two months. “The thing I am most surprised by is how well they have adapted to playing together,” Ewen said.
“We’re going to win some. Success will look different. It might be winning a set off a top opponent.
“Or forcing a team to keep their best players on the court more than expected. I can't wait to see how much we grow this season.”.
