Beyond the Net: Inside World of our Volleyball Team

Author: Liz Monroy

The article offers an inside look at our volleyball team, featuring interviews with players who share their experiences, challenges, and motivations. It highlights how our practices build both focus and skill and teamwork, showing how communication and dedication help us grow stronger together on and off the court.

The Team

Seniors: Alicia Beloy, Brittany Rivera, Noura Abdallah, Deborah Barroso, Elysia Rae

Juniors: Mariam Faqiri, Giselle Bravo, Itzel Hernandez, Lucero Manzo Ochoa, Elizabeth Adcock, Dusk L.T, Sofia Orozco.

Sophomores: Lizette Monroy, Alivia Black, Penda Sow

Freshman : Galilea Sanchez

All these players put in hard work and dedication to both games and practices. They show up confident and with support for the rest of the team. There's a lot of things that our team goes through that the public doesn’t see. We go through bumpy roads and sometimes get stuck, but as a team we help each other to build us back up. Our practices are a mix of hard work, focus, and fun. Each session begins with warm ups and drills that help us sharpen our serves, passes, and spikes. In our team, we believe communication is key. We constantly call our plays and encourage one another to stay energized. During scrimmages, we put our teamwork to the test, learning how to trust each other's instincts and adapt quickly to any challenge . In interviews, players shared how these moments on the court have built strong friendship and confidence, showing that volleyball is more than just a game, it’s about growing together as a team.

1. How would you describe the chemistry with your team this season?

Deborah: "I'm close to some of them and I'm cool with all of them, but I’m closer to some more than others.”

Mariam: “I think it was pretty good, I definitely think we should've done more team activities outside of just practice and games but it's fine because we can always work on that next year.”

2. What makes your teams bond strong on and off the court?

Deborah: “We have a good bond on and off the court because we're all cool with each other and there's no drama.”

Mariam: "Definitely being friends with everyone and being nice with everyone on and off the court.”

3. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments during practice or games?

Deborah: “To be honest we always talk it out."

Mariam: “By discussing it afterwards as a team during practices or before games mentioning how team and good sportsmanship specifically is what helps us be a better team.”

4.What does good communication look like during a match?

Deborah: “We huddle up after each set or timeout and talk about what we could fix or improve.”

Mariam: “Being positive and keeping criticism until after the game.”

During practices, every player has a specific role that contributes to the team's success. Setters focus on precision and timing, hitters work on power and placement, and defensive players practice quick reactions and ball control. Each position is important, and together they form the rhythm that keeps our team strong. Our coach also plays a big part, pushing us to stay disciplined and motivating us to always improve. His guidance helps us stay focused, even when practices are tough. What makes our team special is the bond we’ve built through shared effort and support. We celebrate wins together and lift each other up after every loss. Many players mentioned in interviews that volleyball has taught them about trust, communication, and leadership — lessons that go far beyond the court. Whether its diving for a save, setting up the perfect spike, or cheering from the sidelines, every moment reminds us that team work is what truly drives our success

In the end, our volleyball team is more than a group of players, it's

 a family built on dedication, trust, and teamwork. Every practice and game teaches us something new about ourselves and about each other. Through shared goals, hard work, and passion for the sport, we’ve learned that success isn’t just measured in points, but in the growth and unity we build together.