Coyote Volleyball, Signs Two for 2023

Eduardo Miranda

The Daily Independent

Cerro Coso volleyball Head Coach Andy Cole signed his first two recruits for the next season of Coyotes volleyball in Midland High's Imani Parker and Monache High's Zoe Czaja. Cole who took over the position of head coach last April, spoke on his excitement in having Parker and Czaja sign their letters of commitment to join Cerro Coso and play for the Coyotes.

"Any time you get the first of anything it's really exciting and having started here a year ago these are the first commitments that are outside of Ridgecrest. Obviously, that is huge and really exciting," he said. "They both came out to visit on the same day and they just hit it off right away. They didn't know each other at all they met at a coffee shop before on the tour, which sometimes those tours can be awkward but it was actually really good. They were laughing and having a good time like they were friends already. It's such a relief as a coach because you want them to get to know each other as much as possible before they get here, because it makes that transition much easier. I'm mostly excited with their connection with each other."

Cole wasn't the only one excited as his two new players were also excited to join Cerro Coso. Parker and Czaja responded to questions via email and expressed their excitement at committing to attending Cerro Coso and playing for the Coyotes volleyball program.

"I am thrilled to be committing to Cerro Coso and to begin this new chapter of my life. It has always been my dream to play volleyball at this level and its is finally coming true and I couldn't be happier," Czaja said.

Parker added, "I am very excited to join the Cerro Coso team and continue my athletic and academic career. And I couldn't be happier to be given this opportunity."

Looking ahead to next season, Cole spoke on the characteristics of each player and what they will bring to the Coyotes program.

"They are both setters but they play different positions. It's interesting they might have some internal competitiveness too, but they are both versatile," he said. "Zoe is different she is probably more versatile in the attacking and setting. What I like the most about her is her touch on the ball. She has an incredible soft touch on the ball and that is something that often times in natural and hard to train in someone. Just seeing that is the first thing that stood out to me when I saw her in the gym with athletes. It's like a command that a baseball pitcher has, she has that touch on the ball.

"The most that stood out to me with Imani was her potential to be a leader. All throughout the recruiting process she has been two steps ahead of me and she has been ambitious. Skill wise on the court, I think that will translate into the position of setting and I think she provides a little bit complimentary dynamic to Zoe. She can run a really fast offense. When you have a really good touch the ball kind of sits in your hands a little bit longer so you typically can't run as fast as an offense. But that is where I say they are complimentary of each other; I think with Imani we can go a little bit faster and with Zoe we can slow down. I think that will be a good balance to throw opponents off."

As both future Coyotes look towards playing at the collegiate level, they spoke on the advice they have received to help them be successful.

"I have been given a ton of advice on playing at a JUCO level but the advice that will stick with me forever would have to be strength all of my skills while I have the time," Parker said. "And no matter what level I am playing 110 percent should always be given."

Czaja added, "I have received quite a bit of advice but mostly what stuck with me is two things: financially it works great for me because I am still getting that way from home, living on your own experience. But I'm not putting myself in debt for the rest of my life. Also, that it gives me more time to really decide what I want to do with the rest of my life."

As collegiate athletes, Parker and Czaja are planning to extend their education at Cerro Coso. Both are looking to take full advantage of being a student-athlete and begin taking classes to have a future career.

Czaja said, "I have really been back and forth for the past few years at what I see for myself as a future career. I really would be interested in being a math teacher, so I definitely see myself studying math at a higher level."

Parker said, "I'm looking to major in psychology and gain more knowledge in the psychology field in order to prepare for the job I'm aiming for, which is a sports psychologist. I think Cerro Coso will give me a good start and a good set of minds in preparing for this career."

For the Coyotes coach having two signings who are committed to their sport and education is huge. He said that both had their education as a priority when he spoke with them during the recruitment process. He recalled that Parker talked about her education extensively as she wanted to go somewhere where she could achieve her goal both on and off the court. With Czaja, he remembers speaking with her about committing to a two-year school as it will allow her to take her time and make a clear and informed choice for her future. But having two student-athletes who are passionate on both sides is vital in having a successful program.