With any sport, it is important that you connect well with your teammates and coaches because you will be spending lots of time together. For the volleyball team, this was an easy task and junior Taylor Jesse believes it is a key part of the team’s success.
“We have good team chemistry which is important for volleyball because it is a team sport,” Jesse said. “This is the most bonded team I’ve been on since freshman year because everyone connects well together.”
Furthermore, sophomore Maddie Schaefer is grateful for her teammates and how well they get along on and off the court.
“We hype each other up and play for each other,” Maddie said. “Our team chemistry is good and we all get along which helps us on the court.
Jesse knows the importance of team chemistry and how vital it is in the team’s success and determination.
“Last year we struggled with motivation and wanting to stay on the court to work as hard as we could,” Jesse said. “This goes with team bonding and connection which matters a lot in volleyball.
Girls Volleyball ended the season with a winning record of 16-12-5. Senior Keri Piepho recognizes the strengths her teammates have, which contributes to the team’s achievements and victories.
“The team is very powerful, we have a very solid lineup with strong hitters and scrappy defenders,” Piepho said. “We work a lot on picking up anything we can and working hard to get more balls that may seem out of reach.”
Piepho understands the responsibilities she has as a captain and leader for the team.
“As a captain, I try to lead my team and help enforce what the coaches tell us,” Piepho said. “Coach Schaefer has been focusing this year on having a strong mindset and having the ‘next point mentality,’ which is something that benefits me, especially during games.”
Similarly, as Jesse became a captain and an upperclassmen, she understands that she needs to be a role model for her teammates.
“I’ve never seen volleyball through a captain’s lens,” Jesse said. “I have a lot more responsibilities and am held at a really high standard.”
As a coach, Coach Schaefer has a goal for himself: to help the players be the best that they can.
“I always want to make sure I get the girls to be their best,” Coach Schaefer said. “That doesn’t mean winning every game. Just always competing night in and night out, giving everything you’ve got.”
In addition, height was always a struggle for the team, yet they are capable and determined to not let that get in the way.
“Size is always a challenge for us. Most teams are bigger than us and have easier ways to get points,” Coach Schaefer said. “But our girls know they need to work hard for everything and are ready for the challenge each night.”
Girls Volleyball plays their second district game on Oct. 25 at 6p.m. at Parkway Central.
