Randall Sr Zoe Parker during a game at Lubbock Coronado. [Tyler Anderson/ Press Pass Sports]
Randall outside hitter Zoe Parker was a key cog in the Lady Raiders run to the UIL Class 5A state tournament last season. Parker finished her junior year smashing 286 kills with 387 digs and 87 aces. Entering her senior season, Parker is expected to be a leader for first-year head coach Haleigh Burns.
Parker, a Lubbock Christian University commit, took time out of her schedule to talk with Press Pass Sports.
All you’ve known is coach Jason Culpepper as head coach at Randall. Now it’s coach Haleigh Burns taking over. What’s that been like? “It’s been really smooth. I was nervous when coach Culpepper said he was leaving. I’ve played for him since seventh grade. He’s been a mentor to me. It was hard to here, and scary. But coach Burns has came in and has been awesome. She’s been here all summer and we all know her well and like her.”
You guys have a lot of experience returning. You have to love that?“I do. I have played with this group since seventh grade. We all have a really good connection and good chemistry. This year we just want to go all out, and we’re really excited.”
Is the expectation the same after making a run to the state tournament last year?“It was awesome we made it to state last year, but it hurt to lose. This year we want to go back and take care of business. Our mentality is to go back and give ourselves a chance.”
What are goals you’re setting for yourself?“I really want to be a team leader. I want to be a role model for the young players, and be there for them. I want to improve each game, be a great teammate and do whatever I can.”
Talk about playing beach volleyball in California this summer?“My teammate Bri Ford and I had done in eighth grade. We decided to do it again this summer. It’s great conditioning and a totally different game. We had a great time. It was chill and we were able to get second in our Silver Bracket.”
I hear your big into the ADVO Foundation?“I love it. It’s a place where special needs people have a place to live and get activities to do. I go there and I hang out with them for a few hours. I started in eighth grade with a leadership group. It’s fun and I have a great connection with everyone there.”