On Dec. 5th, Calabasas Athletics announced the hiring of Coach Taytum Reckleff as the new Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach. Reckleff has previously coached Varsity, JV, and beach volleyball for Sherman Oaks C.E.S., Taft, and Bishop Alemany since 2015.
Girls’ Volleyball went 10-23 last year with a 0-10 record in league games. Although Reckleff hasn’t personally met with most of the players, she knows that there is a fighting spirit within the team, which she hopes to unleash this year.
“I took a look at last year’s record, and with this team, I think [they’re not] really measured by their wins and losses,” said Reckleff. “But this team not having wins in league last year – I was inspired by that, and I want to get in there and make fighters out of this team and turn it around.”
Reckleff has only spent a few days on the Calabasas campus, but she has already outlined her plan for working with the team.
“I think my expectations from the beginning is just to lay a solid foundation regarding team roles, team expectations, and listening to everyone’s goals, and what everyone wants to accomplish,” said Reckleff. “The goal right away is probably not all focused on winning, but more just making sure everything else is lined up properly so that the wins come with time.”
Although expectations for the next season among the members of the girls’ volleyball team are not sky-high, with the addition of Coach Reckleff, players point to a feeling of improvement, especially regarding the team’s chemistry.
“With the new coach, I’m not expecting a winning season by any means, but maybe a larger focus on the team itself,” said junior Lucy Cook. “Especially within the program, not everyone knew each other. Not everyone was friends. Frosh-Soph didn’t talk to varsity. Hopefully we can make it more of a community aspect.”
The squad is ready to take on whatever challenges come their way in Reckleff’s first season.
“All of us are not gonna be used to [her coaching style],” said Cook. “I think she’s going to be a lot tougher, but I think it’s necessary to get us into shape and train us. She knows what it takes to be able to do this.”
Overall, there is optimism on the horizon for the team. Amidst a period of unsuccessful seasons, the Coyotes will look to turn over a new leaf in the Reckleff era.
“Personally, I’m really excited to meet her,” said sophomore Ella Birnbaum. “She seems like a really good coach, and I’ve heard really good things about her, and I think my team is really excited to meet her.”
