PC notebook: Henderson reflects on season

One week after watching his volleyball season end, Porterville College coach Dale Henderson continues to reap the rewards of a successful campaign.

While the Pirates (16-8) finished second in the Central Valley Conference at 12-2, and were eliminated in the first round of the Northern California Regional Playoffs, Henderson is finding other victories in the form of landing some top recruits from Tulare County.

“It’s a little too early to mention any names, but this may be our best recruiting class during my five years at PC,” Henderson said.

“Our success this season has made it easier for me to recruit, that’s for sure. I’m receiving phone calls every day about high school seniors and their parents interested in Porterville College volleyball. I’m excited about the prospects.”

Henderson expects between 10 to 15 newcomers for next season — in addition to the eight returners and one redshirt player. During the recent postseason CVC coaches’ meeting, Henderson said his colleagues were surprised Porterville had a successful season with only two sophomores.

“We are starting to gain that respect,” he said. “People are going to expect the Pirates to contend for the title next season. That’s a nice compliment coming from other veteran coaches.”

Among the top returners will be All-CVC selections Amanda Monge, Kacey Markarian, Tori Davis, and Allison Clem. 

“It’s a great group of returners to build our program around,” he said. “They will have the experience of playing top competition, so they know what to expect, and what it takes to play at a high level. They will help our coaches lead this next group of freshmen.” 

SOPHOMORES ATTENDING SHOWCASE

PC’s two sophomores, setter Stephanie Dounseroux and libero Jennifer Landers — both first team All-CVC picks, were selected to participate in Saturday’s California Community College Women’s Volleyball Invitational Showcase at Shasta College in Redding.

The showcase will include a four-hour session, where the top sophomores from the state will participate in matches in front of four-year college coaches. 

“This is a great opportunity for Stephanie and Jennifer to compete with the best players and show they belong,” Henderson said. 

“I expect both to impress the scouts and start gaining more interest from four-year programs. We hope they have several options when it comes to receiving athletic scholarships.”

VOLLEYBALL AWARDS DINNER

Porterville College will host its volleyball banquet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Henderson will announce six individual award winners selected by his coaching staff: Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coaches Award.

Six members will also receive their All-CVC awards, and all players will receive their letter of certificates. Dinner tickets are available on a limited basis by calling (559) 791-2460.

BASKETBALL NOTES

Both PC basketball teams will be participating in weekend tournaments. The women (3-5) will play in the annual College of the Sequoias’ Tom Gilcrest Tournament, opening with Cerritos at 2 p.m. today.

The men (3-5) will play in the American River Tournament in Sacramento, starting with No. 10 Chabot College at 5 p.m. Friday.

One week after watching his volleyball season end, Porterville College coach Dale Henderson continues to reap the rewards of a successful campaign.

While the Pirates (16-8) finished second in the Central Valley Conference at 12-2, and were eliminated in the first round of the Northern California Regional Playoffs, Henderson is finding other victories in the form of landing some top recruits from Tulare County.

“It’s a little too early to mention any names, but this may be our best recruiting class during my five years at PC,” Henderson said.

“Our success this season has made it easier for me to recruit, that’s for sure. I’m receiving phone calls every day about high school seniors and their parents interested in Porterville College volleyball. I’m excited about the prospects.”

Henderson expects between 10 to 15 newcomers for next season — in addition to the eight returners and one redshirt player. During the recent postseason CVC coaches’ meeting, Henderson said his colleagues were surprised Porterville had a successful season with only two sophomores.

“We are starting to gain that respect,” he said. “People are going to expect the Pirates to contend for the title next season. That’s a nice compliment coming from other veteran coaches.”

Among the top returners will be All-CVC selections Amanda Monge, Kacey Markarian, Tori Davis, and Allison Clem. 

“It’s a great group of returners to build our program around,” he said. “They will have the experience of playing top competition, so they know what to expect, and what it takes to play at a high level. They will help our coaches lead this next group of freshmen.” 

SOPHOMORES ATTENDING SHOWCASE

PC’s two sophomores, setter Stephanie Dounseroux and libero Jennifer Landers — both first team All-CVC picks, were selected to participate in Saturday’s California Community College Women’s Volleyball Invitational Showcase at Shasta College in Redding.

The showcase will include a four-hour session, where the top sophomores from the state will participate in matches in front of four-year college coaches. 

“This is a great opportunity for Stephanie and Jennifer to compete with the best players and show they belong,” Henderson said. 

“I expect both to impress the scouts and start gaining more interest from four-year programs. We hope they have several options when it comes to receiving athletic scholarships.”

VOLLEYBALL AWARDS DINNER

Porterville College will host its volleyball banquet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Henderson will announce six individual award winners selected by his coaching staff: Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Coaches Award.

Six members will also receive their All-CVC awards, and all players will receive their letter of certificates. Dinner tickets are available on a limited basis by calling (559) 791-2460.

BASKETBALL NOTES

Both PC basketball teams will be participating in weekend tournaments. The women (3-5) will play in the annual College of the Sequoias’ Tom Gilcrest Tournament, opening with Cerritos at 2 p.m. today.

The men (3-5) will play in the American River Tournament in Sacramento, starting with No. 10 Chabot College at 5 p.m. Friday.