The sounds inside Wekiva High School’s gym echoed with energy this week as volleyballs smacked the hardwood, players called out to teammates and coaches fine-tuned positioning. 

It was only the first full week of official practice, but head coach Heather Lorenz already liked what she was seeing. 

The Mustangs are coming off a 5-12 season and return just four varsity starters, but Lorenz believes this year’s group is beginning to establish something that extends beyond wins and losses. 

“We’re meshing well,” Lorenz said. “I think we’re gonna be okay. I’ve seen where JV and varsity together are getting along, and that’s what I want. I want a family unit, and I think we’re gonna get there as we keep going on because right now we’re doing good.” 

Now entering her ninth season leading the varsity program, Lorenz and second-year junior varsity coach Haley Stagg have 20 players spread across the two teams. While experience may be limited at the varsity level, the Mustangs have a strong foundation in senior setter Isabella Espada, senior outside hitter Elyanna Sanchez, senior libero Mikayla Rivera and junior middle hitter Avianna Mater. 

Each returns after leading the team in a major statistical category last season. 

Espada paced the Mustangs in assists, Rivera led the defense in digs, Sanchez finished with the team lead in aces and Mater topped Wekiva in kills. 

Their experience has become especially valuable during the opening weeks of practice as younger players adjust to the speed of the varsity game. 

Throughout practice, Lorenz frequently paused drills to emphasize proper positioning, ball movement and setting opportunities that allow outside hitters to attack. Communication was constant as players rotated through serve receive, defensive alignments and offensive repetitions, with coaches encouraging players to stay vocal and trust one another. 

While the technical aspects of the game remain a daily focus, the coaching staff is also emphasizing team chemistry from the first whistle. 

Rather than separating the two programs, Lorenz has worked to keep the varsity and junior varsity squads connected throughout practice, hoping the relationships built now will strengthen the entire program for years to come. 

“I want a family unit,” Lorenz said. “I think we’re gonna get there.” 

The Mustangs are also receiving help from outside the program. 

This season, Orlando firefighter Ely Sanchez, the father of senior Elyanna Sanchez, is volunteering once a week to lead strength and conditioning sessions for the team. 

Wednesday’s workout capped practice with a demanding circuit that tested both strength and endurance. Players split into two groups and rotated through exercise stations that included wall sits and lunges, planks and broad jumps, followed by burpees and bear crawls. 

For Lorenz, the weekly sessions represent more than just another workout. 

“It’s actually amazing,” she said. “I love it right now. I am so grateful that we have the depth that we have parents that care so much not only about their own child but within the whole program, and is giving of their time every week now for these kids to get better as they gain their strength.” 

Lorenz has watched her program evolve over nearly a decade at Wekiva. She has seen participation fluctuate, but believes the growth of club volleyball is beginning to positively affect high school programs throughout Central Florida. 

“I feel like each year it’s definitely different,” Lorenz said. “And unfortunately, though, as the years go on, I feel like we’re getting a smaller and smaller program just because of the way the youth are in this generation. But I feel we’re starting to see more and more club activity, so we’re getting more kids that are playing club ball that are now coming into the high school circuit, which is helping with all athletics for volleyball here and other schools.” 

That additional experience could prove valuable for a Wekiva team looking to take a step forward after last season. 

The Mustangs will get an early opportunity to evaluate where they stand during a preseason round-robin tournament Aug. 12 at Lake Buena Vista High School, where they’ll face Apopka, Oviedo and Lake Buena Vista. 

The preseason matches will allow the coaching staff to evaluate rotations, identify areas for improvement and make final adjustments before Wekiva opens the regular season Aug. 18 on the road against Edgewater. 

The Mustangs will then make their home debut Aug. 20 against Oak Ridge. 

For a team replacing much of last year’s varsity roster, the coming weeks will be about growth as much as results. With experienced leaders returning, a coaching staff focused on developing chemistry and parents investing their time to help the program, Lorenz believes the foundation for a strong season is being built.