The volleyball team races to get into the locker room and change quickly, giving each other little reminders from their coaches before practice. Once they get dressed they rush to get into the gym on time where JV and Varsity teams are already warming-up in pairs. 

Practice starts with players going into different gyms depending on their positions. The Defense Specialists players and Liberos practice in the small gym while the hitters, middles, and setters practice in the big gym. Coaches instruct the players to get into drills for what they need to improve on for their group. 

As practice goes by, there are lots of different ways the players interact with each other. “My team comes together in the middle after every single play and communicates what we did well and what we should do better the next play,” Freshman Reese Yarbrough said. “It helps us play with a better mindset.” 

Coach Wagner, head coach of the teams, said he wants to build a community where the older players interconnect with the younger ones, while also helping them grow as individuals. 

During practice the coaches put the girls through tough challenges against one another, and watch to see how the girls come together to complete it. The coaches push their players to perform their best, and as the players make mistakes, they are in charge of doing some kind of ‘punishment’ to learn discipline.

“What helps motivate me is my coaches and my team when they make me believe I can do better whenever I make a mistake,” freshman Meyghin Helix said. 

The coaches have made such an impact on these players, and it shows how good of a job they have done. It’s truly enjoyable to watch these amazing people come together and create a positive environment. 

“Volleyball has built a community around me that has helped me grow and has blessed me with friendships.” Reese said. 

“The relationships I have made, and the discipline I have learned helps me keep going,” freshman Addyson Bradshaw said. “Just like any other sport, what your coaches say to you affects your mentality when you play and your performances. That’s why I’m glad our coach has good communication with us.” Henix said.