By Andy Tabor
Staff Writer

The Cowgirls volleyball team is predicted to be a contender this season for a Class 5A state championship.  Joining the Cowgirls team this year, are two prospects making major impacts.  Both are freshman, and both are 6’1”.

                Freshmen Cassidy Pickrell and Erica Bohannon will play big roles on the varsity squad.  This is the first time in Coppell history that two freshman have been on the varsity squad.  Coach Sherri Hankins has been patiently waiting for this extremely talented freshman class to arrive at CHS and contribute to the team.

                “I have really looked forward to this freshman class,” Hankins said. “I have been watching them play since the seventh grade and am excited to see them play for us.”

                The two found out they would be playing on varsity at the All-American camp at the high school before the season began.

                “At first we started out playing with the freshmen,” Bohannon said. “Then later in the camp we were pulled into the varsity huddle and told ‘this is where we would be’.”

                Both girls were ecstatic to hear the news.

                “It was shocking and surprising to hear we both made varsity,” Pickrell said. “It was an exciting feeling because two freshman making varsity doesn’t happen often.” 

Sophomore Bear Bass was the first freshmen in 19 years to play on varsity when she was called up midway through last season.  Bass now has a prominent role on the varsity team as a setter and is thankful for the opportunity to play on the team last year.

“A big obstacle I had to overcome was being the youngest player on the team,” Bass said. “It definitely made me more mentally tough.

In matches, Bohannon starts at middle blocker, while Pickrell is the first backup for outside hitter, giving her many opportunities for playing time.  Gelling with the seniors before the district opener September 25 against Southlake, and then playoffs will be paramount to the team’s success this season.

“At first there was some pressure to prove ourselves to the older players,” Bohannon said. “Now after playing well in matches, we are a lot more comfortable with our roles on the team.”

Surprisingly, neither girl felt any pressure to fit in with the older seniors throughout practice before school.

“All of the seniors really welcomed us with open arms and never thought we shouldn’t be on varsity,” Pickrell said. “From then our relationships with the seniors have only grown stronger.”

Seniors have noticed the skill levels displayed by the freshman and are excited for them to keep on competing at a high level.

 “Cassidy and Erica are both really hard workers,” senior captain Deirdre Pajares said. “Both have improved their skill while being good team players.”

Outside of high school, the girls surprised many with their appearances in the volleyball nationals in Miami.  Pickrell’s team, Texas Advantage (TAV), came away with first place in the tournament while Bohannon at Skyline took fifth place.  This tournament fields the best teams from all over the United States to compete, and for both Pickrell and Bohannon to finish in the top five is unbelievable.

“I don’t think people understand how incredible that is in select volleyball,” manager Kirby Preston said. “Both of their teams finishing in the top five of nationals is awesome.”

Being on successful club volleyball teams, have helped the girls in school volleyball.

“Playing at high levels during nationals really showed us what to expect from Cowgirl volleyball,” Pickrell said. “It prepared us mentally and physically for the start of the school season.”

Everyone on the team has embraced freshman, helping them and making sure they are an integral part of the team on and off the court.  With district just around the corner, the Cowgirls can count on these two phenomenal freshmen to perform at the highest level.