The Schoolcraft College women’s volleyball team welcomes a new coach looking to instill a new culture during a delayed and shortened season.

The new head coach is Jaison “Faisa” George, a 13-year coaching veteran and Director of Training at Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy. Because of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, practices began just recently for what is normally a fall sport.

“This season is all about transition,” George said. “Changing the culture will be our focus.”

Part of that change in culture is strengthening the players both physically and mentally through demanding practices.

“The practices will be harder physically than the games,” George said. “I believe first in being the hardest-working team on the court at all times. That foundation will keep us in matches no matter what, but more importantly help as grow and learn faster. We want to work hard all the time and have a blue-collar worker mentality.”

The Ocelots will need that improved attitude in this season of challenges.

“It was definitely not an easy road,” George said. “With most things shut down, the players did not have access to resources to do anything.”

The team has added several freshmen who will have a chance to make an immediate impact.   

“We are working from behind but working at a faster speed to catch up,” George said. “Our student-athletes’ bodies and minds have been awakened to what potentially the season will be like. Stamina will be a key with our shortened roster.”

Overall, change and improvement will be the watchwords for this season.

“Wins and losses are important, but how we’re playing will be the most important,” George said. “I’m looking for change, even if it comes in small ways, in how we compete.”

The season starts Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Oakland Community College followed by a double-header at Alpena on Thursday, Feb. 11. The Ocelots will play a 12-match, double-round-robin schedule against the Eastern Division of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.

No fans will be allowed at any matches, but a livestream will be available for most contests.

A look at the team:

Layla Sabrah
Position: Setter/Defensive specialist
Height: 5-6
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Dearborn
High school: Fordson High School
Area of study: Social work

Ella Bailey
Position: Outside hitter/Defensive specialist/Right-side hitter/Middle blocker
Height: 5-9
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Allen Park
High school: Allen Park High School
Area of study: Engineering

Mary Kinney
Position: Setter
Height: 5-6
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Livonia
High school: Churchill High School
Area of study: Early Childhood Education (major)/Japanese (minor)

Savannah Madison
Position: Outside hitter/defensive specialist
Height: 5-6
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Canton
High school: John Glenn High School
Area of study: Business/Advertising

Shaina Suba
Position: Outside hitter/defensive specialist
Height: 5-6
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Livonia
High school: Stevenson High School
Area of study: Marketing

Hailey Lozier
Position: Defensive specialist
Height: 5-2
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Canton
High school: Salem High School
Area of study: Sports Management 

Carly Jasman
Position: Defensive specialist
Height: 5-3
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Canton
High school: Canton High School
Area of study: Criminal Justice 

Andrea Valdes
Position: Outside hitter/Defensive specialist/Right-side hitter/Middle blocker
Height: 5-10
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Livonia
High school: Stevenson High School,
Area of study: Dentistry/Dental hygienist

Emma Hill
Position: Defensive specialist
Height: 5-2
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Garden City
High school: Garden City High School
Area of study: Graphic design