Lassies' Tsuda ready to spark Lady Devils
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 8:35 PM PDT
By Rick McCorkle
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E-mail this articleAfter enduring clashing personalities and in-fighting throughout her inaugural season as women’s volleyball coach at Lower Columbia College, Marcy Gilchrist wanted players who would get along with teammates and encourage instruction.
Kelso’s Keisa Tsuda fits that description — and Gilchrist is happy the former Lassie defensive specialist has signed on with the Lady Devils.
“I’m really excited about players who want to walk on and be part of the program, and are willing to work hard and get better,” Gilchrist said. “I applaud Keisa for wanting to take this on, because being a student-athlete is tough. But she has the potential to go on and play at the next level. She has a great attitude, and is a very competitive and positive player.”
Tsuda joins a youthful LCC squad that includes returners Kacie DeRosier and Emily Damschen, and newcomers Denali Preston and Lacey Flatz (Toutle Lake), Cassie Koering and Rachael Fair (Woodland), Tarin Bond (Adna), Kari Sarysz (R.A. Long), Talia Hamer (Mark Morris) and Sara Jespersen (Wahkiakum).
“We’ve had some really tough practices, but all of the work and time we’ve put in is worth it,” she said. “I’ve learned more in the last two practices than I did in my entire career, and we’re all really bonding together like a team. This is one of the best teams I’ve played on, as far as personalities meshing and everyone getting along.”
Tsuda was considering enrollment at either Western Washington University or the University of Portland when she decided to try college volleyball.
“I came here so I could play volleyball, because I probably wouldn’t get that chance at the other schools,” she said. “The nursing program at LCC is also very good, and that’s an area I’m interested in. Eventually I want to go away and get my bachelor’s degree, and I’m not sure where I’ll end up for my career.”
Tsuda earned all-Greater St. Helens 3A League honors as a defensive specialist, an area where Gilchrist can always use another player.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in Keisa’s play since our early workouts,” Gilchrist said. “She’s gaining confidence and strength in the back row, and you can see it in her face.”
Gilchrist means that quite literally and is optimistic about Tsuda’s future on the team.
“When she’s focusing on what’s going on, her game-face comes on,” the LCC coach said. “She’ll flourish with additional instruction, and wants to hear feedback on her play.”
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