The Village School thrilled about TAPPS debut
The Village School thrilled about TAPPS debut By Jeff Jenkins The Village School head volleyball coach Judi Klausmeyer has been preparing for this moment for a full year. After years as an independent, The Village School is now a full-fledged member of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. Now competing in TAPPS District 5-4A, the Vikings have a real shot at the school's first-ever playoff appearance. "Clearly, that's our goal," Klausmeyer said. "We used last year as a practice year. We played a lot of the TAPPS schools to become familiar with our future competition and also get organized. It really helped us." The Village School hopes to challenge league foes such as Fort Bend Christian, Lutheran South and Second Baptist for the district title or, at minimum, a postseason berth. The Vikings lack size, but they have no shortage of experience. Klausmeyer credits four seniors – three of them starters – for prepping TVS for its move to TAPPS. "Most of them have been at The Village School since the first grade," Klausmeyer said. "This is something the seniors have been looking forward to for a very long time. They've always wanted the opportunity to get to the playoffs." Lauren Fernandez Miller, a 5-foot-5 senior, is the Vikings' most versatile player. Fernandez Miller plays setter and middle blocker. "Lauren has been a team captain the last three years. She's the heart and soul of the team," Klausmeyer said. "Lauren has a couple of colleges looking at her. She really wants to play at the next level."
Other senior starters include 5-6 outside hitter Julia Palmeira and 5-4 right side hitter Sophie Muir. "Julia has been with us since her freshman year," Klausmeyer said. "Sophie is another 'lifer' who has attended The Village School from the beginning. She's a four-year starter, too." Senior Fran Liso, a 5-5 outside hitter, also is a top contributor off the bench for The Village School. But the Vikings have a few talented underclassmen in the program, which bodes well for the future. Sophomore Amber Park, a 5-4 setter, is perhaps the biggest surprise, transitioning from basketball to volleyball. Others to watch include 5-10 sophomore middle blocker Darcy Boardman, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter Emma Catlett, 5-9 junior right side hitter Martha Dauzacker and 5-4 sophomore libero Isabella Palmeira. Key reserves include 5-9 freshman middle blocker Mia Salis and 5-4 sophomore defensive specialist Giovana Reyna Sanz. The Village School has played well, reaching the Gold Bracket at the Baytown Christian Tournament and taking on tough foes like Westside. The Vikings also recently traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to participate in the Meritas Tournament. But the Vikings' main focus is getting ready for their TAPPS District 4-5A debut. "It's hard to believe the time has come, that we are finally in TAPPS," Klausmeyer said. "We want to make the most of it."
Other senior starters include 5-6 outside hitter Julia Palmeira and 5-4 right side hitter Sophie Muir. "Julia has been with us since her freshman year," Klausmeyer said. "Sophie is another 'lifer' who has attended The Village School from the beginning. She's a four-year starter, too." Senior Fran Liso, a 5-5 outside hitter, also is a top contributor off the bench for The Village School. But the Vikings have a few talented underclassmen in the program, which bodes well for the future. Sophomore Amber Park, a 5-4 setter, is perhaps the biggest surprise, transitioning from basketball to volleyball. Others to watch include 5-10 sophomore middle blocker Darcy Boardman, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter Emma Catlett, 5-9 junior right side hitter Martha Dauzacker and 5-4 sophomore libero Isabella Palmeira. Key reserves include 5-9 freshman middle blocker Mia Salis and 5-4 sophomore defensive specialist Giovana Reyna Sanz. The Village School has played well, reaching the Gold Bracket at the Baytown Christian Tournament and taking on tough foes like Westside. The Vikings also recently traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to participate in the Meritas Tournament. But the Vikings' main focus is getting ready for their TAPPS District 4-5A debut. "It's hard to believe the time has come, that we are finally in TAPPS," Klausmeyer said. "We want to make the most of it."
