The school’s new varsity volleyball team has begun an exhilarating season under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach, Coach Miller. The majority of the team was promoted from last year’s junior varsity squad, and they are eager to prove themselves worthy of the varsity level. Given their already strong chemistry and even stronger communication, this challenge shouldn’t be a difficult one to overcome.
As the team navigates their first few games, they’re establishing a solid foundation based on an ideal team environment. Setter Sophia McCabe notes, “This is a positive and supportive energy where everybody’s doing their parts, whether this be hustling for a ball, setting up for a spike, or celebrating each other.” This collective mindset fuels the girls to work well together and prepare for upcoming matches. McCabe adds, “Bonding with the team creates a really good energy that helps us understand each other a lot, on and off the court, so that we can learn how to work best together.” Coach Miller echoes this by stating, “A good volleyball player isn’t the person who serves the best, or spikes the best; it’s the person that can work best in a team.”
Volleyball is all about teamwork and communication. Having the girls be so close-knit helps create the perfect environment for success.
Unfortunately, this ideal environment won’t remain undisturbed, especially when going up against strong opponents. The true test is how the team adapts its playstyle to meet these challenges. McCabe explains, “In volleyball, playstyle can be rather flexible. For example, if we have someone hitting down the line, then we’ll put two people on the line. If we have someone hitting cross, then we’re going to move our defense to the middle back. A lot of it’s just communication and gametime changes.”
Reflecting on these challenges, McCabe says, “A valuable lesson I’ve learned this year while playing volleyball is mental toughness. Whenever we’re down two points, or maybe even 10, I always remind myself we’re still in the game. We all have to keep fighting for every single ball, no matter how exhausted or down on luck we are. This mindset also extends outside of sports. Whenever my grades are slipping, I have to rely on that kuy .same mental toughness to keep working and raise my average, rather than giving up.”
As the season progresses, the team’s blend of strong chemistry, effective communication, and mental toughness will be the key to a successful season this year. Their dedication to supporting each other, adapting to new changes, and working through obstacles highlight their willingness to work hard and achieve their goals to quote, unquote, “Beat Bellaire!” With Coach Miller’s guidance and the players’ unwavering commitment, the team is well equipped to turn all their dreams into reality and make this season the best. Let’s go, Lady Texans!
