New A&M Consolidated head volleyball coach Lauren Korenek embarks on her inaugural season, navigating the unique challenges of a new environment and significant campus construction. Her arrival marks a pivotal moment for the Lady Tigers, as they adapt to a fresh leadership style and unconventional practice locations, with a strong focus on student athletes.
The transition has been particularly distinct for Korenek, whose initial summer with the team has been spent away from the main A&M Consolidated campus. This unusual start is a direct consequence of ongoing construction around the high school, necessitating that all Consol athletic teams utilize facilities at College Station and Wellborn Middle School for their workouts and practices, impacting youth sports development.
Korenek recounted the swift process of her hiring, emphasizing the rapid succession of events from initial contact to the final interview. This quick turnaround underscores the urgency and importance of her role in leading the volleyball coaching program, even amidst the logistical complexities presented by the construction.
Through intensive summer workouts and deliberate team interactions, Coach Korenek has diligently assessed the specific demands and dynamics of coaching at A&M Consolidated, contrasting it with her previous experience at Anderson-Shiro. This period of evaluation is crucial for tailoring her strategies to the current high school sports team’s strengths and challenges.
A cornerstone of Korenek’s philosophy is her commitment to leveraging the team’s inherent physical advantages. She asserts that the Lady Tigers will prioritize superior conditioning, strength, and speed, aiming to outmaneuver opponents. This emphasis on athleticism is complemented by a strategic focus on a quick offensive game and aggressive, tough serving in Texas volleyball.
Acknowledging the highly competitive landscape of Texas volleyball, particularly within this region, Korenek has proactively studied opponents. Her access to Hudl, a video analysis platform, has allowed her to scout several teams, providing invaluable mental preparation for anticipated rivalries, including the intense crosstown matchups.
Beyond athletic prowess, Korenek champions the holistic development of student-athletes, prioritizing academic excellence as a foundational element that profoundly influences on-court performance. She actively seeks out students and parents who can serve as exemplary figures, fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity within the program and across the campus for youth sports development.
The coach’s overarching vision extends to cultivating a team known not only for its competitive spirit and hard play but also for its positive community engagement. She envisions the Lady Tigers as helpful, approachable representatives of the school, embodying both athletic drive and strong character, even as they continue to refine their game under her volleyball coaching.
