Hawks girls volleyball seeks steady improvement in 2025

The Waltham High School (WHS) girls volleyball team is poised to take a nice step forward this fall.

After only defeating Watertown High School in 2024, the Hawks feel as though they can take further advantage of this year’s slate of opponents. WHS has been drilling into some new techniques during the initial weeks of practice, which should put them in a good position to do just that.

“I have been implementing some new blocking sequences and defensive principles and the girls have been really receptive to it,” head coach Evan Omi said. “They are not always just going along with what I say, but they are questioning what the purpose is. As a coach, it is my job to explain the ‘why’ behind doing things and not just the ‘how’ or ‘what’.’’

This response from the team has Omi excited for the potential ahead. Over 60 student-athletes came out for tryouts, and WHS has three full teams: varsity, junior varsity and freshman.

“The team has a desire to learn and a passion for improvement, which is really helpful,” said Omi. “The program itself is looking like we have some longevity. We have some freshmen on the JV team that I am looking forward to working with in the future. The older girls on varsity have been doing a really good job incorporating the younger girls into warmups, having more of an open communication with them compared to what can sometimes happen in a high school program.”

Among these upperclassmen are captains Kylie Brooks and Thanthar San.

Omi is changing up the qualifications for a good set, and Brooks has responded brilliantly at the position. The fact that Brooks is a left-hander is also beneficial for taking advantage of the right side of the court.

“Kylie has really worked on her hitting,” Omi said. “I am hoping that she can set up other players as a setter and then get some kills herself when in the front row.”

San will be serving as an outside hitter.

“She has been taking big strides, working on her footwork for hitting,” said Omi. “Once she figures that out, she is going to be a real asset for our team and a threat to other teams.”

Waltham’s schedule is appropriate for its skill level, which also has Omi pleased.

“I am expecting to compete with the teams in our league,” Omi said. “I am hoping to pick up a couple wins against the teams outside of our league too, because they are not the strongest teams. I don’t think we should be playing the toughest teams in the state given the current status of our team.”