In the current volleyball season, the Varsity team started off on the right foot with a winning record of 8 to 3; so far, so good. With the opportunity to go to Districts, the Eagles are preparing upon their arrival. Also, with the coaches being open-minded about the future of the team in the back of their mind.

With the Districts forthcoming, there are necessary steps the Osbourn Varsity volleyball team must take to prepare for it. It is helpful to keep personal goals to better yourself in volleyball. “My goals for this season are to make sure I focus on improving and make sure I’m uplifting my teammates to do the same,” said Alexis Steinmetz, the team’s setter and captain.

While goals are important to keep in mind while practicing, maintaining chemistry and communication while on the court with your teammates during a game are just as important. This principle is important because a team that cheers each other on together wins together. “I make sure that I high-five my back row teammates to reset, and I make sure to communicate with my front row teammates, telling them I will cover them no matter what,” said Daviana Vidal Quiroz, the team’s libero. 

It would be hard to bring energy to enhance the court’s chemistry during games unless you have a pre-game ritual beforehand. Something to get you riled up but also composed before games. “I mentally prepare myself by isolating myself from my friends and listening to music, and I physically prepare myself by doing pogo jumps and dynamic stretches,” said Keila Rich, the team’s second captain and outside hitter.

Each team has its Most Valuable Players. Every team’s valuable players are what make the team as a whole stand out. Who gets to decide the team’s Most Valuable Players is Coach Abigail Smith. “Keila Rich is stable in passing and hitting, and our go-to player to get out of a rut. Lexi is the quarterback of the team; the big plays don’t happen without Lexi on the court. ” Dave has improved so much over the last 2 years, she has a reaction you can’t teach,” said Coach Smith. 

The most exciting thing to keep you engaged this season is team rivalries. Following Osbourn’s loss to Gainesville, Adrianna Rodriguez, the other freshman on varsity, was asked the question, What game are you mostly looking forward to this season? She responded with, “When we play Gainesville again. We need to get them back.”

 With the Girls Varsity volleyball team starting in an excitingly good direction, it leads me to wonder if it’s foreshadowing the rest of the season, too? “I think that we’re gonna catch people by surprise, and make it to districts,” said Coach Smith. 

With a total of 7 seniors on the Varsity team this season, which is half of the team, when you envision the teams in the future, they’re out of the picture, leading to an almost completely different team. “If we keep focusing on serving and passing, I think that will be beneficial for the program, and creating a winning mindset and a winning culture.”, said Coach Smith. 

With many girls on the volleyball team, some have more passion for the game than others. After high school, in sports, you have a slim chance of playing on a team you want to play on in college unless you’re really good. With many good players on our team, one of them being Ludie Mouvi, she said, “Possibly, because it can pay for my academics and it can give me a chance to meet new people.”As a response to the question, does she plan on playing volleyball in the future? Why or why not? 

The team’s journey this season has them focused on one thing: districts. They plan on getting there by focusing on their goals, maintaining team chemistry and communication, and preparing themselves before each game. While also looking forward to making comebacks, new teams, and playing more in the future. One of our seniors, and right-side hitter, Ashley Fabian Flores, has a message for our supporters and people who come to our games to cheer us on. Her message consists of, “Make sure to come to October 14th senior night!”

As the varsity has its own journey, so does the Junior Varsity Volleyball team, which is ready to take on new challenges and work hard together. With a mix of returning players and new players, the team is full of energy and excitement for the season. As of right now, JV has a record of 4-4 for their games. The team is facing a mix of wins and losses this season, but they’re staying focused and giving it their all.

Despite the tough competition, the team’s chemistry and teamwork are what make this team strong and ready for anything. Kaylee Ngoun, a junior, who is a setter, says, “I think that the Osbourn High School 25-26 JV Volleyball team is unique because of the chemistry and energy we bring to the court. This year, we’ve built a stronger bond, and we push each other more in my own humble opinion, and I really do love that”. The team’s bond has been the foundation for staying focused and positive, no matter the wins and losses. 

One of the most exciting parts of the season is looking forward to the games and opponents. When I asked sophomore Maliya Trammel, who is a DS (defensive specialist), what games she was most looking forward to this season, she responded with “I am really looking forward to replaying Battlefield HS and playing Osbourn Park High School. They are two opponents that I really think our team would play well”. Her excitement reflects her motivation and the team’s competitive spirit. 

A good way to improve as an individual and as a team is to set goals. According to Kimora Williams, a setter/right side hitter and a sophomore, “My goal for this season is to show great improvement when it comes to comparing my start of the season to the end. I want to be able to see my progress and learn how to become a better player”. While Kimora’s goals are focused more on self-development, freshman Gabriella Madison, who is a middle blocker, has her eyes on team chemistry. She says, “This season I just want to keep a happy team. Right now, my team is super goofy with each other, and I love that. If we could maintain that mentality for the rest of the season, no matter what happens, that would be nice”. 

Throughout the season, there have been some tough opponents, yet the team has still overcome the obstacles. A key to overcoming obstacles is motivation. Volleyball isn’t just about winning; it’s about growing as athletes and individuals. Sophomore Kimora Williams says, “One of the biggest things that keeps me motivated on the court is looking back at how far I’ve come from previous years. When I make a mistake, I can look back at how far I’ve come and how much I’ve gotten better. The mistakes I make now are not as significant as they once were. I always try to keep an open mindset to cheer on my teammates-seeing them happy makes me feel motivated as well”. For some athletes, the encouragement from teammates is what gives them determination. 

Inspiration is also a big part of motivation. Something or someone that inspires you can also push you to work even harder. Whether it is trying to impress them, looking up to them, or wanting to work alongside them. “My godsister Ashlee has been playing for a while, and watching her games when I was younger made me want to play as well,” says sophomore and outside hitter Malia Spriggs.