Skill, hard work, and dedication are what we often associate with a winning team. While this is true for the girls volleyball team, there’s another key aspect that helps them succeed: team chemistry.
According to senior Taylor Jesse, this perfectly describes how the team is able to have such a rewarding season.
“We are all friends,” Jesse said. “We work so well together because of the bonds we have outside of volleyball.”
Similarly, senior Riley Fogarty believes that the team chemistry within the team is a huge contributor to their winning record.
“We are very scrappy and all good at picking each other up,” Fogarty said.
Team chemistry can only go so far when height is a big struggle for the team. For volleyball, having tall players can be the difference between a win and a loss. Despite this challenge, Jesse says they are not discouraged because it forces them to push themselves even harder.
“We are a very short team,” Jesse said. “That means we have to make it up with hard work.”
Each season comes with its own challenges, which was no exception for Jesse. Getting injured mid-game did not stop her from giving her all, which led to a moment of pride that she will never forget.
“Last season I jammed my finger in a game against Lafayette,” Jesse said. “I kept playing in the game and won the sportsmanship award which I was proud of.”
Junior Maddie Schaefer believes that having one specific target at a time helps them focus on a certain aspect of the game.
“There’s a lot of focus on winning the scrappy plays and keeping the ball off the floor since we aren’t a super tall team,” Maddie said. “I think that helps us have a smaller goal to help us win.”
A captain’s job is to take charge on the court and be the player that people look up to. As co-captain, Jesse pushes herself to be a role model for her teammates and makes sure she is working her hardest to win each point and giving her all.
“Riley and I have a lot of weight on our shoulders,” Jesse said. “We lift our teammates up and keep being a positive encouragement for everyone.”
Furthermore, Fogarty takes her role as a co-captain seriously as she wants to model for her younger teammates to be someone that they look up to.
“I want to be a leader on the court,” Fogarty said. “Continuing to stay positive and pick my teammates up.”
Being a co-captain requires lots of hard work and dedication to the team. The part comes with more challenges and effort, but Jesse used that to help her teammates be the best version of themselves, and learn to never give up.
“It is a lot of pressure, but I really like it,” Jesse said. “I work to keep motivating and pushing the team to get to that top point.”
Fogarty has spent her time on the team admiring the veteran players, and strives to be the captain and person she looked up to when she was an underclassman. Keri Piepho graduated last year from Central, and was a prominent leader for the team.
“We lost a lot of leaders last year, especially Keri who I looked up to because I played with her since my freshmen year,” Fogarty said. “So I’m trying to step up into that role.”
As her high school career is coming to an end, Fogarty reflects on her time at Central and being a part of a team that has given her so much.
“It’s sad but I’m glad I got to meet these great people and be teammates with them,” Fogarty said. “It has made me want to be as good as I can be for the team.”
Similarly, Jesse started playing varsity volleyball for Central as a freshman. As the end is inching closer, she is proud of how hard she has worked to get to where she is today. Jesse completed her 1500 assist, which was a huge milestone for her.
“I grew up admiring all the seniors before me,” Jesse said. “It feels weird but I am finally at the top position I have been working for and all the hard work is paying off which is awesome.”
Head Coach Tom Schaefer cherishes each player’s legacy and is grateful that even after they graduate, they continue to come back because of how much the program has given them.
“The number of players I have had who have come back and coached with me or have played with me or just keep in touch.” Coach Schaefer said. “The kind of connections coaches make with their players is very special and can last well beyond high school.”
Jesse looks up to Coach Schaefer as a role model and someone who has dedicated his time and effort to the team. She sees how much he cares and his commitment to wanting the team to succeed.
“He puts good pressure on us, but what is important is he is positive with us during games.” Jesse said. “He is very motivational and one of the best coaches I have ever had. During games he is someone I can depend on, especially being a captain.”
In addition, Fogarty is appreciative of Coach Schafer and knows that all his motivation and enthusiasm shows just how much he truly cares about each and every player.
“He will push us hard but always wants the best for us because he knows that we are capable,” Fogarty said.
Coach Schaefer wants to see what is best for the team, and is glad that he gets to be a part of it.
“I want to push my players to be their best and to have a memorable season,” Coach Schaefer said. “I believe there is a lot they can accomplish and I want to help make it happen for them.”
Coach Schaefer has been coaching at Central for 32 years and is dedicated to making the players the best they can be both on and off the court.
“I enjoyed working with kids,” Coach Schaefer said. “Working with them in something that they are passionate about, like volleyball, is even more rewarding.”
Coach Schaefer has seen all the time and effort his players put into each practice and game, and are proud of them as individuals and as a team, and is looking forward to what the future holds.
“The girls have been working very hard and making exciting things happen.” Coach Schaefer said. “They have raised my expectation level as to what they can accomplish and I am excited to see what this season can be.”
Girls Volleyball plays at home Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. against Marquette.
