On the heels of a first-place win at the Freshman Tournament Saturday, September 29th, Skyline’s Freshman volleyball team revealed how they have come together as a team, despite only meeting each other a little over a month ago.
“Most of us are beginners, so it’s kind of challenging sometimes,” said team member Alex Strauss (‘28). “I think it’s been pretty easy to adjust to everyone and get to know people — especially when we’re playing, because everyone communicates and [is] friends off the court too.”
Anyone who knows even just a bit about volleyball knows that getting on the same page with your team is essential. Perfect timing and accuracy are crucial to pass the ball around the court and over the net. Communication between teammates is needed. . “I think we face a lot of challenges with communication within our team,” said player Zea Moghtader-Trumbull (‘28). Strauss outlined the steps they’ve taken: “[We work it out] by talking it out and hanging outside; like a volleyball hangout outside of school.”
To address the team’s inexperience, the team employs a unique strategy called The Sisters. “[The corresponding players with the same numbers] from the JV and the varsity team [are ‘sisters’], and you all get together and you talk, and there are competitions..you bring each other snacks and candy at the game,” said Moghtader-Trumbull. “I really like The Sisters because it’s…really good team bonding and we get to know the older girls”.
The team emphasizes how important getting real human connections with each other is. “I like that we all pepper [pass the ball around] together,” Setter Claudia Robichaud (‘28) says. “[I like how] everyone asks each other to play together, and before the games and practices we hang out for breakfast every day.”
Team traditions like The Sisters cultivate an uplifting team culture and spirit, which helps their performances in game. Teammate Reed Jemison-Blais (‘28) describes the team’s spirit as “hype and fun; everyone tries to make it fun for everyone.” Strauss adds. “I think our spirits are really good, [since] we’re friends with each other and have a lot of good fun.“
The team’s positive mindset has also helped in the team’s development. Taking one play at a time and not getting stuck on mistakes is how they push through adversity as a team. “We have to comfort our other players,” says Jemison-Blais. “Or tell them to try to have a memory of a goldfish…and not remember if you messed up. You try to just move on from it ‘cause remembering what you did before doesn’t help you with playing now.”
