Just as everything in life is ephemeral, the Dominican senior women’s volleyball team is also experiencing constant dynamism, going through a phase of change.
Since that unforgettable gold medal achieved by las Reinas del Caribe at the Santo Domingo 2003 Pan American Games, variations in the team’s lineup have been seen periodically. However, the integration of new athletes in the last period has been particularly prominent.
“We are talking about extremely talented young players,” commented Marcos Kwiek, the coach of the Dominican team, referring to Yaneirys Rodríguez, Vielka Peralta, Madeline Guillén, Yokaty Pérez, Geraldine González, and newcomer Alondra Tapia.
Kwiek is fully aware that everything must come to an end and sees it as essential to give newcomers the opportunity to face pressure and excel.
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“It is vital to pay attention to renewal, since we cannot always depend on the same players,” explained the Brazilian coach.
The adjustments made by Kwiek in his team indicate that he is preparing for eventualities such as the retirement of several experienced players who have filled the Dominican nation with pride.
In favor
Experienced players Niverka Marte and Bethania de la Cruz support the gradual inclusion of the youngsters.
“This is how teams evolve and grow, by adding new players,” pointed out Bethania, who added that “that is the development process, putting them into action so they can learn from their mistakes.”
Responsibility
The team captain, Niverka Marte, acknowledges that the new faces lack the experience to fully shoulder the team’s responsibility, but considers that the time has come for them to start getting familiar with what awaits them.
“The fans are used to seeing the same squad in action, the one that has proudly represented the country, but the time has come to involve more girls in the responsibility of preserving the future stability of the team,” expressed Niverka, underlining that opportunities will continue to be given to future representatives.
Enjoying it
The young Alondra Tapia is delighted to live this chapter as part of the Queens, at only 20 years of age.
“It is wonderful to feel the support of the most experienced players. This seems excellent to me and I am ready to keep absorbing knowledge,” Alondra noted.
image credits for this post: Elnacional.com.do
