The volleyball season has begun for the Reds. The varsity team of ten seniors, three juniors, and one sophomore has high hopes for success this year. Last season, the team pushed its way to the final four at the state tournament, but unfortunately lost a close game to Platte Valley High School in the semi-finals.
Senior Lila DeJager said, “We definitely could have won [state], we just got in our heads because we were playing a rival team. And then we just all freaked out.” It seems all of the girls have reflected on last season’s performance and are ready to make some changes. Having a good mental state in any sport is important, so the girls have been working on keeping their cool during practice and games to ensure more success.
The coaches have chosen to focus more on training this season. Trinity Salberg (26) explained that practices are focused more on fundamentals, and that more weight training is being utilized to keep the team strong and ready for tough teams. Going over the basics ensures that everyone is on the same page as to how each position should be played, and weights are useful in enhancing players’ power as they move, jump, and hit the ball. An increase in these important skills should add up to better performance and, therefore, success.
The functioning of the team is very different from last year as well as a result of graduating six seniors who are now off to continue their education in other places. One of this season’s seniors, Harley Forster, said, “We lost many key players, so filling in who is missing and who we have in each position changed.” One major change was made from DeJager, who was switched from setting to being a right side hitter. All the other players stuck to their positions; however, they are still working harder than ever to fill the past seniors’ shoes.
Struggles with social conflict was another downfall the team pointed out from last year that had an affect on how they played. Having tension in a group of people who are supposed to work together does not usually end well. Salberg said, “We had quite a bit of drama on the team, and I think if we were just nicer to each other and worked as a team it would have been better.” This year, the group seems tight-knit and excited to play together, and even though conflict will undoubtedly arise, Forster said that the Reds are ready to trust each other and stay positive.
Each year, the seniors of the team choose a quote to define the year. Salberg said, “Our new saying is ‘Burn the boats,’ and us seniors decided to do that because it’s our last year, and we’re fighting for the championship, so we’re just going to leave everything on the court. Hopefully that takes us far.” The Reds are ready for takeover, and will do whatever they can to play their best and win a state championship.
The Reds will take the court on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at home against Windsor High School.
