Playing volleyball ecompasses a wide collection of challenges, but there is no challenge too big for the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. Their record is a testament to their hard work, as they won their League with a record of 8-2. 

   Senior and Co-Captain Nicole Muttera said, “One of our goals was to win League and we did.” “Our biggest competition was OLP [Our Lady of Peace] since we were first and they were second place in League,” explained Senior and Co-Captain Megan Waldichuk. Through constructive drills and positive practices the team not only beat OLP, but they triumphed in League. 

   The girls are each able to add some significant qualities to the team, that aided them in their success this year. Muttera said, “One of our key players is Pia Ashworth. She is a great blocker and she scores every time we get her the ball.” Senior Grace Kinshofer mentioned that Ashworth’s striking height of 6’4” is a huge help to the team. “Waldichuk is another key player because she is a talented libero,” said Kinshofer.

    “I strived to be one of the main leaders since I was captain. I always try to have a positive attitude in any situation, and I always want to bring people up,” said  Senior and Co-Captain Kate Calvao. “Coach Wiggins helped me and the other captains know what to do in a leadership role. Every practice, I led stretches and on game days, I made sure that everyone was ready to play,” added Muttera.

   Kinshofer mentioned that Coach Amanda Wiggins always had productive drills that helped them win games and improve on their skills. Kinshofer also described that Coach Wiggins set up effective practices that were challenging and positive. According to Muttera, Coach Wiggins motivated them to improve, no matter the actions of the other team. Muttera further explained that during games, Coach Wiggins showed that all that mattered was what was happening on their side of the court.

   The bond that the girls on the team shared was very strong. Muttera stated that before games, the team would go get Sprouts’ sandwiches, which she thought made the team closer and in the long run, improved their play on the court. Kinshofer and Muttera both said that most of their closest friends were on the team.

      Despite their success, the team faced several challenges that they had to overcome in order to achieve. “Two people [Seniors Jordan Freedman and Monique Gonzalez] broke their ankles before the season began, and were out for the rest of the season,” explained Calvao. She stated that the team had to learn new positions, but that they persevered regardless. It is always a struggle adjusting to new challenges, but the team learned on the fly and weathered the storm.