Beyond the Court: Girls Volleyball Returns as a New Team
By: Ruby Romer and Rose McMillan
BOSTON, MASS - Girls Volleyball returns from a successful season last fall with goals of winning a championship and making it to NEPSAC finals. However, some challenges stand in the way of their ambitious goals.
At the start of this new season, the girls struggled with building their new cohesive team, especially without their senior leaders. Last season, girls volleyball made it to their league championships, facing a pivotal loss to their Montrose opponents in the Finals match. This season they have returned with the loss of two seniors, but have gained many new freshmen to their team. “We had two seniors from last year left, so it feels a lot different not playing with them. Both of them were leaders and took charge on and off the court. I definitely notice a difference playing without them,” Charlotte Erwin ‘27 comments on their new team dynamics.
Fede Lopez ‘27 expands on the challenges of this new team. “One challenge we have faced as a team is staying positive, and keeping a positive mindset.” She continues discussing the obstacles the team has faced in building a supportive and positive team, “It can be really detrimental to the team if one person isn’t having a good attitude, because it affects the whole team and how we all play.”
Despite facing these challenges, girls volleyball continues to improve and thrive in their league. Currently undefeated in their league, the girls have continued to work hard and build an encouraging team.
A new addition to the girls volleyball team as of last year, Coach Shultz, both a Newman teacher and coach of the team contributes to the growth of the team. “Coach Sam provides us with new skills and tools to use during games and gives us constructive criticism so the team can grow,” Lopez mentions on the impact of her coaching.
Additionally, the growth and connection off the court has significantly contributed to the positivity of the players during games and practice. Adeline Gordon ‘27 comments on the subject of the team's friendship. “Our team has really grown together during school, practice, and van rides, which greatly contributes to the bonds we have on the court.” Like any team, their connections and friendships developed during the season will greatly affect their playing during this season and those to come.
Many of these components have helped girls volleyball improve physically and mentally as a team. When reflecting on this growth Lopez ends with a piece of advice that has greatly shifted the mentality of the team. “Just because you lose one point doesn’t mean you lost the game.”
Moving forward, the Girls Volleyball team is determined to win their league championship and continue on to NEPSAC as well. “I am looking forward to seeing how far the team can make it in our league and in NEPSAC. Additionally, I am excited to see how we end the season off and how that leaves us for next season,” Lopez closes with. Overall, the Newman girls volleyball team continues to grow and improve and hope to leave their mark in Newman history.
The volleyball season is currently over, with the team making it to the quarterfinals of their league playoffs. They were also successful in qualifying for NEPSAC playoffs and traveled to the semifinals to finish off their season.