By Annie Goodykoontz

   Tempe Prep is striving for victory with the addition of new coaches for the Fall sports season. 

   With a new high school swim coach, volleyball coach and middle school cross country coach, there are some new faces for sports this year at TPA. 

   Coach Bruce Wilkinson, who also teaches music and poetry, is the new middle school cross country coach and is no stranger to the sport. He ran cross country in high school, and has been coaching that sport, as well as track and field, for 17 years. During practices and meets, Coach Wilkison witnesses the strength and resilience of the cross country athletes and is excited to watch them compete and grow throughout the season.

   Coach Maria Zello, who is a TPA alumna from the class of 2016, is taking on the role of head coach for the high school swim team this year, along with new assistant coach, alum Gabriel Huerta McWhirter. Previously, Maria was the assistant coach. But this year, she stepped up to help the swimmers attempt to achieve their personal bests. 

   Volleyball coach Angela Gore played Division II Volleyball at Newberry College. Co-captain Hannah Garcia says Angela is one of the most skilled volleyball coaches TPA has ever had. 

   “She knows what she’s doing,” Hannah said. “She wants us to be the best we can be.” 

   Tempe Prep sports welcome these new coaches and cannot wait to see what they bring to the athletic community.