Ride the waves” is the varsity volleyball team’s official motto for this season. It is no doubt a fitting mantra as the team has ridden the wave to success. The team is reaching unprecedented heights and is dominating the court.
Despite its first loss after a record 13-0 start, the team continues to build on its great season. After last season’s disappointing lost at the District Finals, the team has rallied to newfound success. The combination of new faces, returning veterans and seasoned captains provide the star-studded roster with chemistry.
“We’ve had good chemistry and good teams in the past,” head coach Jeff Wilson said. “[But] this year everything seems to be clicking. Everyone’s on the same page, and it’s been like this since we started.”
Lauren Cameron, the team captain and a three-year veteran, echoed Wilson’s sentiment.
“I have truly never played on a team like this in all of my years at Trinity,” Cameron said. I have been on 13 varsity teams at Trinity so far, and none can compare to the special chemistry and togetherness that this team displays everyday on and off the court.”
Like any great team, the team’s success has not been dependant upon a single individual. Rather, success has been defined through the contributions of the entire team.
“Of the [first] 13 matches we’ve played, every single player who was available played 10 of those 13,” Wilson said. “So everyone’s been making contributions in matches and everyone’s been making contributions in practice. It’s been a total team effort.”
If chemistry has been the key word for the team this season, then passion for the game comes in as a close second.
“When I am on the court, playing with every bit of my heart and passion for the sport, I am playing for my team,” Cameron said. “I am not playing for myself or my stats or my parents watching or my friends cheering me on or my name in the paper. I am playing for the 11 other girls on the court and the bench.”
Passion for the game serves as a deterrent for fear and a catalyst for confidence. No matter the opponent, from state champions to teams with multiple 6-foot-tall players, the team will not allow anyone to intimidate them. This is evidenced by the team’s recent victory against district rival Lake Highland which was the first win against them in more than a decade. The victory has been a confidence builder for the team.
“I have witnessed our limitless potential,” Cameron said. “I truly believe there isn’t a team out there that we couldn’t put up a fight against.”
As the regular season comes to a close on Oct. 7, the team hopes to reach regionals this year and finishing in the top two of the district. Regardless of post-season success, Wilson hopes to see continued growth.
“The goal is the same as every single year: to get better and closer as a team…[to be] better today than yesterday… my mantra is: work hard, get better, have fun, ” Wilson said.
From the variety of handshakes before each match to the effusive celebrations after each point to the dedicated balancing act of late night games and loads of school work, the varsity volleyball team has concocted a potent recipe for success.
