High school volleyball is more than just a sport to many, it’s a community, a competition, and leads to growth in athletes on and beyond the court. Every fall season, a group of individuals come together as a whole, representing WHS, playing in front of classmates, families, teachers, strangers, and against other teenagers. For many, volleyball is a big part of their lives and has been for a very long time.
“Since seventh grade I have played volleyball. It’s always been a super fun sport to me. I enjoy the suspense it brings during pre-season building up to the actual season, and all the excitement everyone has when the season begins,” senior, injured libero Tanna Howe said.
“I’ve been playing volleyball since fifth grade. I’ve grown to love the sport and have the most fun playing with my friends. I love the quickness of the game and the intense energy,” senior middle blocker, Adison Sherrill said.
One of the most important aspects of high school volleyball is teamwork. Volleyball relies on a team as a whole, communication, and cooperation. The teams often set goals as a whole to work harder and better than ever. Although, as a singular person each athlete has their own focus of goals too.
“My individual goal is to be a better player and control my emotions. As a team, I hope to be a team in general and work with each other, not against each other,” junior outside hitter Mady Reimund said.
Balancing school, extracurricular activities, outside of school opportunities, and sports can be a challenge. Being a student always comes above being an athlete. Preparing for the season through practice is important, but preparing during preseason proves the dedication each athlete has for the sport.
“I went to open gyms everyday and attended summer weight training to prepare myself for the upcoming season,” sophomore outside hitter Braylee Cunningham said.
As the season has already begun, games have been played, losses and wins have been made. As of October 1, the season record is 8-7-1. The athletes have put their full potential into making the team better during each game. Every game plays out differently, and some games play out better than others.
“Cole Camp has been our best game so far. Even though we lost, we started off amazing and worked as a whole,” junior, middle blocker, Maylee Slavens said.
“Pleasant Hope’s game was a really good game. We had everything come together easily, and all of our percentages were probably the highest in that game. The hitting was top, and the serving was really good. We won that game in three sets and I feel like the team really worked together,” head coach Kelsi Brosnahan said.
Overall, to each individual athlete, volleyball is more than a sport. It creates bonds and takes personal time. High school volleyball only happens four years out of an individual’s entire life, taking it for granted does not cross an athlete’s mind.
“Volleyball isn’t just my sport, it’s my passion, and the game that has shaped me into who I am. Life is so short, so I strive to play every game like it’s my last,” senior right-side hitter, Hailey Ferguson said.
“Volleyball has always been a part of my life, I played it all through high school, and I played sand through college. Ever since I started teaching, I have been coaching. I don’t think I know life without volleyball,” Brosnahan said.
Through losses and wins, the athletes continue to put their focus on the sport.