This year has been different due to COVID-19, but the volleyball team is not letting this stop them from achieving their goals and working hard. The team currently has a record of 3-7, which isn’t what they were hoping for, but they still continued to work hard in order to improve their volleyball technique. 

“The team has made so much progress with our skills,” and hopefully this work will pay off, Annalyse King, a sophomore, said. “However, the number of wins and losses is not the only thing that determines the success of a team.”

This year has thrown many challenges at the girls, but the team has handled them with grace and persistence. Darryn Hargrett, the only senior and captain of the team, said that the most challenging part of this season has been, “leading such a young team.” Other than Hargrett, a four-year varsity volleyball player, the team is composed entirely of relatively inexperienced sophomores and freshmen. She may find this to be a challenge, but her leadership has impressed the younger girls. 

“Our leadership has been great,” King said. “We have only one senior and she is doing an excellent job.” 

“We all work really well together and have a great time!” Mallory McKibben, a sophomore, said.  Strong leadership is essential in having a successful team, something these girls seem to understand. 

One of the main challenges the girls have faced is dealing with the effects of COVID-19. “The virus doesn’t allow us to have fans which makes some of the games less exciting,” Hargrett said. McKibben also has missed the excitement of the games, but has focused on “keeping a good attitude. “Sometimes we get down when we aren’t doing well, and instead of getting pumped up we worry about our mistakes,” McKibben said.  

For many of the girls on the volleyball team, their chemistry is one of the reasons they keep coming back to play day after day. “The team is always supportive and kind. Practices and games are always fun,” King said. 

Camille Coker, a sophomore, said, as the season progresses, she is looking most forward to “spending more time with teammates,”. This attitude shows the girls are working hard and enjoying their time together, even though this season is not what they expected. 

This volleyball season has been different than the previous ones, but the girls are enjoying their time together and are not letting these challenges stop them from having fun and improving every day. With their positive attitudes and drive for success, there is no doubt these girls will continue to improve and finish off their season successfully in the post-season.