Although Girls Varsity Volleyball was off to a rocky start this season, their resilience has been unwavering and they've started to bounce back. During their most recent game on September 30, the team won 3 - 1 against Dana Hall School. They started off strong, winning the first two sets. Despite a slight stumble on set three, they were determined to pull through and used the momentum they built from the third set to rally back and win set four. The determination shown throughout the match is a result of all the hard work and dedication the team and coaches exert every day.

Athletes start practice by running up two flights of stairs, stretching, and then warming up by passing the ball to each other. For the rest of practice, they turn to their head coach, Darren Emery, for a training plan. When asked about how he coaches practices, Emery said, “I believe that the game teaches the game.” Rather than emphasizing drills, he focuses on allowing his players to have fun and truly experience the flow of games. The increased time spent playing together creates stronger team chemistry, so athletes can perform at their best when it counts.

“Volleyball isn’t a one-player sport,” said co-captain Ejemen Omonzane ’25. “The whole team must be in sync with each other or else we can’t play well.”

Despite the season starting recently, the team has already spent a lot of time bonding and participating in fun activities outside of practice. They’ve gone out to get ice cream together multiple times, and frequently have team dinners with their coach. Reflecting on her favorite experiences, co-captain Leah Nieuwenhuizen ’25 said, “We get to learn more about the history of the team, our teammates, and build connections which makes it easier to play with people.”

“During [dinners together], I get to know the players as people and more than just athletes,” said Emery, agreeing with Nieuwenhuizen’s sentiments. “It helps because then it tells me how to motivate them to perform at their best because it’s different for every person.”

The dedication and hard work of the coaches, Darren Emery and Andrea Yanes P'22 '24 '27, deserve recognition. They strive to make practices fun while simultaneously building the athletes' skills and teamwork.

As the season heats up, expect the team to remain a formidable force in the Eastern Independent League (EILs), while making memories filled with friendship and fun along the way.