Coming back with a district win from the 2022 volleyball season, returning Varsity players have a lot to live up to, especially after losing eight seniors and having only three returning varsity players. Coach Tom Schaefer, in his 30th year coaching at Parkway Central, has plans for the postseason and confidence that the players have what it takes to succeed.
“The girls are very self motivated, they want to be successful as much as I do,” Schaefer said. “They have a lot of experience and they know what it takes. So I think that motivation comes from within.”Senior Brooke Hemmen, returning varsity all-around player, earns the honor from Coach Schaefer of being a team captain, which she explains comes with a lot of responsibility. Hemmen has high hopes for this season and how the team will improve over time.
“It’s a little bumpier than last season, but I think it’ll get better and we’ll grow even stronger as the season develops,” Hemmen said.
The hard responsibility of leadership may be what makes the difference.
“Captaincy does require a lot of responsibility just to make sure the team is always doing what they need to do and keeping teammates on the same page with everything we do,” Hemmen said.
Junior Captain Keri Piepho also believes that captaincy can be a struggle, yet she is excited about her opportunities. Piepho’s hard work ethic will help her during the responsibility of being a leader this season.
“Being captain is an exciting opportunity, especially because I’m not a senior,” Piepho said. “I feel like I have to step even more into the role of helping my teammates bond and bringing support, which I love to do.”
There are other teammates on the court that have the same amount of pressure, such as sophomore Riley Fogarty, who plays the position of libero. She holds the responsibility of managing the defense on the court.
“Being libero on varsity as a sophomore is a lot of pressure, because I feel like I always have to be perfect,” Fogarty said. “Yet, I know that is not going to happen, I just have a high standard to live up to.”
Dealing with a lot of pressure can often depend on your age in high school sports. Such as the only freshman on varsity, Maddie Schaefer, who plays the middle blocker position. Like Fogarty, she has to deal with an excessive amount of pressure. Schaefer said that she can feel out of place from time to time, and worries about others’ opinions. She has an additional element to deal with, playing with her older sister for the first time, and her dad happens to be the head coach.
“If I make a mistake my first response is ‘what are people thinking?’ Do they think I shouldn’t be on the team or I shouldn’t be on the court?” Maddie said.
Schaefer continues to believe in a positive outcome for this season and postseason. As of mid-September, there are four wins under their belt, with many games to look forward to.
“Starting the season playing pretty strong, we’re hoping for a great result in the postseason,” Schaefer said. “It’s been so nice working with the girls, there’s a lot of skill out there.”
