Randolph hopes to guide Gateway volleyball back to playoffs
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Sunday, September 3, 2017 | 11:00 PM
In some capacity, Phil Randolph has been involved with the Gateway volleyball program for more than a decade.
He has served as an assistant to the girls and boys teams, as well as the coach of the middle school team.
Now it is his turn to be in charge, as he has taken over the girls varsity team for the 2017 season.
“It is really exciting,” Randolph said. “It is exciting to see the kids grow from middle school until seniors. The foundation we built is a solid one, and I am hoping it pays dividends this year.”
The Gators are coming off a season in which they went 10-5 overall and 8-2 in Section 1-AAA. That was good for a WPIAL playoff berth, although it was short-lived with their 3-1 loss to Montour in the first round.
One key player the Gators are going to have to replace from a year ago is Jazlyn Rozier, who is now following in her mother's footsteps at Point Park. Her mom, Jana Orloske, is a Hall of Fame inductee at Point Park and former coach of the Gateway girls volleyball team.
Randolph served as Orloske's assistant while she was coach and now will have an opportunity to coach her younger daughter, Kami, who will be a senior this year.
“I am expecting big things from her this year,” Randolph said. “Girls always used to come to our practices when I was coaching with their mom. We have kind of come full circle.”
Another player Randolph is relying on this year is senior defender Ally Schrank.
“Without hesitation, she sets the tone for our team,” Randolph said. “Her hard work is infectious. She is a good person to have around.”
Randolph knows size is going to be a disadvantage for his squad this season. As one of the smaller teams, he is hoping their determination and hard work will propel them back into the playoffs.
“We are hoping to be small and mighty,” Randolph said. “When these girls are clicking, they are an incredible group. We are hoping to see a lot of that this season.”
The Gators' first match was a 3-0 nonsection loss at Norwin on Friday.
“I am looking for them to come together and support each other,” Randolph said. “I think we are going to surprise some people this year. Hard work is always going to be at our forefront.”
Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.
Tags: Gateway
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