Set-tling back into the new season, the Varsity volleyball teams have already bumped up their game, ready to start the season off with a hit.
The girl’s Varsity volleyball team has entered the season with great excitement and last year’s first place gold medal still fresh in their minds.
Even though the girls have lost a lot of their starting players, Captain Lily Akrapongpisak (12) claimed she has “already seen so much improvement” in the first week and “is looking forward to seeing everyone pick up their game even more.”
The Varsity girls’ head coach Steve Perkins describes his new team as “driven, fearless, and positive.” He also adds that “with only four returning players, [they] are looking for the newbies to step up to the plate this year.”
One of Lily’s goals “is to definitely have really great team chemistry with all of the players.” She also adds that in terms of IASAS, which is at International School Manila this year, she’s “going to try and make sure that [their] team is the one that the other schools are nervous about.”
The boys’ Varsity team is also striving for another chance at an attack at IASAS, hoping to improve on last year’s 5th place finish. The Varsity boys’ Coach Colin Stephenson stated that, their “returning players are a very dedicated and talented group.” He also adds, “the new players in the team give [them] a level of potential that is very encouraging.”
Afi Blackshear (11), the captain of the boys’ volleyball team, states that the team “is running a more dynamic and faster offense,” this year and “the practice atmosphere feels a lot more intense and competitive.” He also adds that although their team is still fairly young, “with [their] youth, [they] have a lot of potential” and it will also give the older players a chance to lead the team.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming exchange at Singapore American School as well as IASAS, their dedication and enthusiasm for the season is clearly noticeable and, as Coach Perkins says, they “love the challenge and the work ethic of a new group.”
by Stella Kim (10)
