Gila Ridge hires Grasis to lead charge for volleyball

Maris Grasis is set to takeover as Gila Ridge's Girls Volleyball Head Coach and has big expectations.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Gila Ridge hired Maris Grasis to turn the Girls Volleyball program around after a disappointing 8-9 season last year, but Grasis wants to do more than have a winning record.

"Expectations are going to be high," Grasis said. "I might as well start out high, and as we go along we can change the goals from there, but right now, I want us to get to at least the play in game where we're one of the top 24 teams in the state."

The way Grasis plans on turning his team around is using the athleticism at Gila Ridge to his advantage. His goal is to unlock the athlete's full potential.

"I have a lot of height, which I haven't had in the past, I have a lot of speed, and it's just molding that all together, so that's what really excites me, to see what they can do," Grasis said. "At this point, they don't know what they can do, and now I get to interject what I think they can do and know they can do, so it should be fun."

The Kofa graduate understands turning the program around is easier said then done, especially when they have to play Phoenix area schools, but he believes in the team and wants to instill a strong sense of belief in the athletes as well.

The Hawks will be working hard at practice before their first match against Brawley Union at home on August 27.