The Scorpions volleyball team will be led by two new captains this year who both have one goal on their minds — lead their team to a state championship victory.

Seniors Brenna Barker and Tiana Hatler were named the 2012 volleyball captains by Head Coach John Parks.

Both girls have been playing volleyball for at least six years. Barker, who is now the team’s setter, got into the sport because her mother was coaching volleyball. Opposite hitter Hatler has always been athletic and into all different kinds of sports. Her middle school coach said she would be a good volleyball player, so she stuck with it.

“I love the intensity and pressure of the game,” Barker said.

Barker, who believes in pregame rituals for good luck, has to visualize the plays and visualize winning before every game. She has to put her shoes, socks and uniform on from left to right, listen to pumped-up music and  have her hoodie popped over her head. If anyone says anything negative before the game, she has to knock on wood.

For the full story, please see the Friday, Sept. 7, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.