
VYPE
Why are these coaches so near and dear to our heart?
Originally Appeared on VYPE
The 2019 VYPE Volleyball Preview will be out in a few weeks, as gyms will be filled with the sound of squeaky shoes and coaches' whistles.
As we enter our 12th year of publishing, I feel like we've seen just about everything. The explosion of social media, some of the most elite athletes in the nation and the greatest stewards of all – high school coaching staffs.
Shockingly on the volleyball front, only two programs have brought home UIL state volleyball gold – The Woodlands (twice) and Kingwood Park last season. So, who has the best chance to hoist the hardware in November? You will have to wait on the preview.
But back to what we've witnessed for over more than a decade, the coaches. Let's just take volleyball. Houston is loaded with some of the best in the business from Seven Lakes' Amy Cataline to The Woodlands' Terri Wade to AP Clarke of Bellaire. The list goes on.
Some legends have moved on like Ridge Point's Lori McLaughlin, Clear Falls' Lindsay Hodges, Pearland's John Turner (now an assistant at Bellaire) and The Woodlands' Leslie Madison.
Why are these coaches so near and dear to my heart?
Coaching girls is tough. I've been told by coaches that girls are more competitive than guys, because they vigorously compete against the other team but also with each other. The glue that keeps a great volleyball team moving in the right direction is the coach.
It's all about communication.
What I've learned being married and raising two girls is that you can't communicate too much. There is no such thing as over-communication. Building chemistry is paramount. Trust is key. You also have to be tough, because they will challenge you.
The story continues here
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The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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