Volleyball

Head Coach: Kasey Arceniega                                                        JV Coach: Abby Kabalin

Email: karceniega@mcpsmt.org                                                      Email: ackabalin@yahoo.com

Sophomore Coach: Emma Humphreys                                          Freshman A: Jenna Slepicka

Email: ehumphreys@mcpsmt.org                                                    Email: jslepicka@mcpsmt.org

Freshman B: Sierra Dennison

Email: sierramariedennison@gmail.com

 

Participation Fees - $75.00 (per sport - family maximum $300 per year)

Activity Card Fee - $30.00 (once per year)

White Fees - Determined by Coach

Participation, Activity, and White Fees can be paid at the Activities/Bookkeeping office. Financial assistance is available for those in need.

Fees for non-cut sports are due prior to your first practice. Fees for cut sports are due after teams have been selected and prior to the first practice. 

Parents must sign a Athletic Agreement/Waiver and the Code of Conduct for their child to participate in Athletics at the High School level. This is one form with two signatures.  Students may get a copy of the waiver from the office or it can be downloaded below. The form must be returned to the office before they will be allowed to practice.

At the heart of our volleyball program is a simple but powerful belief: Love the Game. This passion fuels everything we do—from daily practices to competition. We strive to develop not only skilled athletes but exceptional individuals by emphasizing Leadership, Inclusion, and Teamwork. Our athletes embody Selflessness, support one another, and put the team before themselves.

We are committed to building Character, fostering Accountability, and instilling a Strong work Ethic that extends beyond the court. Through these core values, we create a culture where every athlete feels valued, challenged, and inspired to grow both as a player and a person.

 

Team Placement and Tryout Process Overview

Team placements and roster decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each athlete during tryouts. This includes individual skill assessments, positional needs for each team, and input from the entire coaching staff.

All roster decisions, including cuts, are made unanimously by the coaching staff. These decisions are never taken lightly, and delivering news to an athlete that they have not earned a position is one of the most difficult parts of our role. Our teams will be kept at 10–12 players, with 12 being the absolute maximum.

Evaluation Criteria

Athletes are assessed on both skill level and grade level, with an understanding that expectations differ depending on a player’s year in the program. For example, what we expect from a senior differs significantly from what we expect from a freshman.

Improvement year over year is a core expectation. While grade level is considered, it does not outweigh skill level in decisions regarding team placement or cuts.

Beyond physical ability and skill, we also evaluate intangible qualities such as:

• Coachability

• Attitude

• Effort

• Teamwork and ability to contribute within a group dynamic

Tryout Focus and Format

The primary focus of tryouts is to evaluate each athlete thoroughly. While there will be some review—particularly for incoming freshmen—this time is reserved for observation and assessment to ensure well-informed decisions are made.

Tryout Schedule:

• Day 1 & 2: Skill evaluations and physical testing

• Day 3: Positional rankings and game situations

• Day 4: Court awareness and team play (6-on-6), with additional skill review if needed

  • Team placements and cuts will be finalized at the end of Day 4

Key Evaluation Areas:

• Athletic ability

• Physical testing results

• Individual skill set

• Position-specific skills

• Court awareness and game sense

• Positional availability

We appreciate the effort each athlete brings to the tryout process and are committed to making fair and thoughtful decisions that best serve the needs of the program.

All players are expected to adhere to the MHSA/SHS Student Code of Conduct, the Sentinel High School attendance policy, and academic eligibility requirements as outlined by Sentinel Athletics.

To ensure a positive, competitive, and team-centered environment, athletes are expected to meet the following standards:

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1. BE ON TIME

• Athletes must arrive fully dressed in practice gear, with nets set up and warm-up (peppering) underway at least five minutes before the scheduled start of practice.

• Tardiness will result in consequences.

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2. BE EAGER TO PRACTICE

• Practice is essential to both individual development and team success. Approach it with energy, focus, and a positive attitude.

• Complaining, lack of effort, and disengagement will not be tolerated.

• Hustle at all times. Team-issued practice shirts are required daily.

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3. BE COACHABLE

• Listen actively and respond to instruction without argument or excuse.

• Mistakes are part of learning—respond with accountability and growth, not frustration.

• Apply feedback and show a willingness to improve every day.

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4. BE RESPECTFUL

• Treat all teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents with respect—on and off the court.

• Social media conduct matters. Any inappropriate or unsportsmanlike content referencing Sentinel Volleyball will result in disciplinary action.

• You represent our program at all times. Act accordingly.

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5. GAME READINESS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Players are responsible for bringing and maintaining their own gear.

• Everyone contributes to game-day responsibilities, including setup, libero tracking, line judging, etc.

• Being absent from class due to volleyball is not an excuse for missing assignments. Communicate with teachers at least one day in advance of travel or absences.

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6. BE HEALTHY

• Prioritize your physical and mental well-being—for yourself and for your team.

• Eat nutritious meals (especially on game days), stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.

• Avoid junk food before matches and maintain healthy habits throughout the season.

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7. BE A TEAM PLAYER

• Support and uplift your teammates—always.

• Disrespectful behavior, gossip, or negativity toward others will not be tolerated.

• Remember: When you join this team, you commit to something larger than yourself. What may seem best for you individually may not be what’s best for the team.

• Humility, unity, and selflessness are at the core of our program’s culture.

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We expect every athlete to uphold these values consistently. The standard is high—because the opportunity is great.

Communication Guidelines for Sentinel Volleyball

Each season brings new opportunities for growth—as well as occasional challenges. Clear, respectful communication is essential to navigating both successfully.

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For Parents:

We welcome the opportunity to communicate with you regarding your daughter. However, we strongly encourage athletes to first address any volleyball-related concerns directly with their coach. Learning to advocate for oneself is an important part of athletic and personal development, and fosters confidence and independence—key benefits of participating in team sports.

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For Players:

If you need to speak with your coach, the most appropriate time is after practice. Please give your coach a quick heads-up so time can be set aside. Open communication is valued, and we want you to feel comfortable bringing up concerns in a respectful and constructive manner.

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Communication Tools & Boundaries:

Coaches will use the Remind app to communicate logistics, schedule updates, reminders, and positive team messages.

Please do not use text messaging to discuss:

• Playing time

• Performance

• Concerns or issues

• Other athletes

These topics require thoughtful discussion and are best handled in person or over the phone. If needed, please email the coach to request a meeting or phone call.

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The 24-Hour Rule:

We ask that no concerns or complaints be raised immediately following a match. Emotions can be high, and it’s important to allow time for reflection. Please wait at least 24 hours before contacting a coach about any issue.

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Communication Process:

Step 1: Player Initiates Discussion

• The athlete speaks with their coach after practice or schedules a time to meet.

Step 2: Parent-Coach Conversation

• If the issue remains unresolved, the parent may reach out to schedule a phone call or in-person meeting.
• In some cases, the athlete and/or additional coaching staff may be asked to attend.

Step 3: Athletic Director Involvement

• If further support is needed, the athletic director may join the discussion to help reach a resolution.

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We are committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and transparent environment—for both players and families. Thank you for partnering with us to support that standard.

Communication Process:

Step 1: Player Initiates Discussion

• The athlete speaks with their coach after practice or schedules a time to meet.

Step 2: Parent-Coach Conversation

• If the issue remains unresolved, the parent may reach out to schedule a phone call or in-person meeting.
• In some cases, the athlete and/or additional coaching staff may be asked to attend.

Step 3: Athletic Director Involvement

• If further support is needed, the athletic director may join the discussion to help reach a resolution.

Playing Time & Lineup Decisions

Playing time and team lineups are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Positional needs

• Individual skill level

• Team chemistry

• Matchups against specific opponents

• Player statistics and in-game performance

• Execution within a specific offensive or defensive system

• Effort, attitude, and consistency in practice

Equal playing time is not guaranteed.

Coaches make decisions with the overall success of the team in mind and reserve the right to adjust playing time based on:

• Unexcused absences

• Inadequate work ethic

• Failure to meet program and player expectations

We ask that all athletes approach their role with professionalism, dedication, and a team-first mindset.

Attendance Expectations & Absence Policy

Clear and timely communication regarding absences is essential. Failure to notify the coach of an upcoming absence will result in a loss of playing time, regardless of the reason.

General Guidelines for Reporting Absences:

• If you are ill: You must notify your coach prior to the start of practice that day.

• If you will be absent: Only the player or a parent/guardian may communicate the absence. Teammates should not report absences on your behalf.

• Injury: If you are injured and unable to participate physically, you are still expected to attend practice unless otherwise excused by the coach.

Coaches will determine whether a missed practice or game will impact playing time, based on the circumstances and the expectations of the program.

Consistent attendance and communication reflect your commitment to the team and are key factors in earning and maintaining playing time.