Socorro Hires Grenwood for Volleyball
by Nat Holland/ El Defensor Chieftain
Socorro: The Socorro High School volleyball program has had a new face as the head coach each season for the last few years, but this time the face should be a familiar one.
The new head coach, Marleen Greenwood, is a veteran JV coach for both the volleyball and girls basketball teams who grew up right here in Socorro.
"Back when I played we were more competitive," Greenwood said. "When Charity Savedra played we were more competitive and we had a couple years with Tori Zamora when we were very competitive. I hope to get back and be one of the district contenders again."
On Tuesday at a volleyball camp for high school girls, Greenwood worked with the girls along with Savedra, who is currently an assistant volleyball coach at Southern Methodist University.
"I'm excited. I think with all the girls here it shows they are excited with the program as well," Greenwood said.
More than 30 high school players signed up for the two-day camp, including nine incoming freshmen.
"No matter what your sport is, summer is for personal time," Greenwood said. "Kudos to those kids who choose to improve during the summer."
Greenwood will begin holding workouts for interested volleyball players starting in July. Official team practices begin on Aug. 11.
"We used to have two-a-day practices," Greenwood said. "But with school starting earlier and earlier, its just not possible."
Greenwood has high expectations for the up-and-coming players.
"I expect them to be disciplined athletes, give 100 percent, and be here both physically and mentally," Greenwood said of the team.
Greenwood will also continue as the JV coach for the girls basketball team, but is not the only one working extra hard to keep up with both programs.
"Some girls here are double-timing it," Greenwood said. "They'll be back later for basketball."
Summer plans for the team still need to be worked out, but Greenwood would like to take at least the varsity players to an overnight camp if funds are available.
With the constant turnover in volleyball coaches at Socorro the last couple years, having a local face at the helm is a welcome relief for some.
"That's what we need is some stability in the program. She got the job and started right away. She has the camp and interest already," Socorro High School athletic director Charlie Savedra said. "I'm excited about coach Greenwood. I know she'll have accountability with the kids and discipline."
"I'm not leaving," Greenwood said.
