Porter's Royals Boast Skill, Experience

Tran Longmoore

Sandi Porter, the last Blissfield coach to guide a team to a state championship, has returned to coach the Lady Royals.

Porter takes over a team that went 28-16-5 last year, and 7-3 in the LCAA, finishing behind champion Ida. Blissfield’s season ended in a thrilling five-set district final match at Whiteford.       

Porter said former coach Gretchen Platzke, who was an assistant on the 2005 state championship team, left her with a group of girls who really understand the game.  Now Porter wants to use her team building skills to build a juggernaut.

“The season will be successful if we steadily improve throughout the season and consistently play to our potential,” Porter said. And she thinks this team has plenty of potential, saying she’d like to see the team make a good run in the post-season tournament.

Porter is blessed with a talented group of seniors. Captains Ashley LaRoy and Zoe Brennan lead the way.

“Both are willing leaders, helpful and have positive attitudes,” Porter said.

LaRoy earned second-team LCAA honors last season. She’s a powerful outside hitter, strong server and terrific all-around player. Brennan is also a strong hitter who can play the middle or outside. Porter likes her aggressive style.

Senior Taylor Jacob was first-team all league as a setter last year. She’s been the team’s setter since her sophomore year and Porter has high expectations of her.

“She has amazing setting form and helps us run a quicker offense,” Porter said. “She reads opponents weak areas well.”

One of the recipients of Jacob’s nifty passes is senior Celia Coopshaw, who can be dominating in the middle.

“She’s a strong middle player and a huge asset,” Porter said. Porter was surprised to see that Coopshaw is also a great passer, so she’ll also see work in the back row.

Senior Megan Knierim is another strong hitter and good server. Hard-working senior Renee Cantrell  brings strong defense, good communication, good vision and a nice jump serve to the mix.

Porter’s juniors will also contribute.

Outside hitter Stephanie Salters impressed Porter at the Spring Arbor team camp with her adaptation to the quickness of the varsity game. Laura Goetz has developed into a great blocker who can play outside or middle. Porter said Goetz’ sunny personality has been a boon to the squad. Jolene Sauter, a competitive defensive player, will have foot surgery and be unavailable to Porter until October.

Porter said the team needs to improve its passing to quicken the offense. She’d also like to see more focus while serving. But she likes the hard-working effort of the girls and their knowledge of the game.

“They work well together and communicate on the court and they’ve been very cooperative on with the coaches,” Porter said.