2020 was a rough year for the Royal volleyball team.

The coronavirus pandemic was one factor, as it was for all teams, but it was also the first year for coach Tara Schiller.

The Falcons finished with an 0-10 record. This year, they are working towards a new season, and new heights.

“COVID kind of made it difficult for us, with the kids being virtual,” Schiller said. “We didn’t really have an off-season (to prepare for 2020).”

While they were still able to get some practice, Schiller said there were scheduling issues above and beyond the pandemic.

“It was hard,” Schiller said. “We didn’t do practices until after school due to scheduling issues. During the athletic period, they would really have a biology class. But it’s going to be fixed this year, so I’m excited.”

Schiller said the 2021 squad will be young, but hardworking.

“Last year they were sophomores,” Schiller said. “This year they will be juniors. They’ve worked hard. They’re definitely putting in the work to do better this year.”

Two juniors to watch are Stephanie De La Rosa and Kiara Jones.

“Stephanie was on our junior varsity last year, but when we became one team (the junior varsity players and varsity players formed one roster) she kind of blossomed,” Schiller said. “She’s worked really hard and she is a lot better now.”

De La Rosa plays middle blocker, a front-line position that focuses on blocking and hitting. When the players rotate, and her spot rotates to the back line, another player comes in for her. De La Rosa said she returns to the court when her spot rotates back to the front line.

De La Rosa was one of those players who began the season on the junior varsity players joined the varsity. She described the season as a “learning experience.” She and her teammates have continued working to improve their skills to be competitive as a team. They have practiced four days a week over the summer.

In addition, De La Rosa recently attended a volleyball camp at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

“It’s a really nice school, and a really nice campus,” De La Rosa said. “I learned more about passing, blocking, and scoring. It helped me grow as a player.”

Though she is junior, De La Rosa is thinking about her future. She said she hopes to attend college and study engineering, possibly civil engineering. She hopes to play volleyball in college, as well.

But first, there is the upcoming Falcons season. De La Rosa said her goals are to make the varsity team, help bring the team together, and continue to improve her skills as a player.

Schiller described Jones as her “libero,” or defensive specialist, from the beginning of last season.

“This year, I’m excited to see what she can do for us, along with the rest of the back row,” Schiller said.

Players focused on improving their skills in offseason training that began in January. Their strength and conditioning practices began June 7.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season, De La Rosa said.”

The Falcons are looking forward to their season opener, set for August 10 at Fort Bend Willowridge. Royal competes in District 24-4A, along with Bellville, El Campo, Navasota, Sealy, and Wharton.

Bellville won the district title last season, with a 26-4 record (6-1 in district). Sealy finished with a 14-6 record (9-2 record).

Schiller enters her second season at Royal after two years at Paetow and a stint at Cy Springs before that. With a full practice schedule and things returning to a pre-pandemic normal, she believes that the program will reach a new level.

“I’m just excited to see the growth of this program over the next couple of years,” Schiller said.