The start of a new season is underway and both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Volleyball teams are excited after a compelling IASAS tournament at ISB last year. However with both squads receiving underwhelming bronze medals, neither team is content with their performance last year. Both teams have been working extremely hard since the start of the season and are hungry to win gold.
The Girls’ team has retained the majority of their squad, with only three players departing. This continuity should help the team this upcoming year, cultivating a team spirit which is very important in the sport. Senior Jan Sirimongkolkasem says “I am confident to say that my relationship with my teammates affects me positively on court; in the game of volleyball, everyone supports each other.”
The Girls’ volleyball team is eager to welcome new coaches Sarah and Joseph Barnes. Sarah Barnes is excited to bring her enthusiasm to the team, stating that she is “super excited to have the opportunity to work with some great players.” Coach Sarah Barnes also added “They are having a lot of fun and I really hope they can transfer that onto the court during games!”
The Boys’ team, however, have endured rather different fortunes. The side has ground to make after losing six of their 14 players, including star player Afi Blackshear. However, Coach Colin Stephenson is confident that the Boys team can improve on their Bronze Medal, claiming that “this new group of young athletes along with a very experienced returning core should make them very difficult to play against.”
The boys are also confident going into this upcoming season. Senior Andrew Thornton said that “A third place finish last year especially knowing we could have finished higher is driving this year, we have focused on playing our best game, because when we do that we win.”
With the drive and motivation to improve upon last year’s’ Bronze medals, the varsity volleyball teams are ready to commence on a new season.
Ben Browder