By: Lenaia Powell
This year’s volleyball program is in for some big changes–or more like next year, as just as many players will be leaving as entering. On varsity, ten of the thirteen team members are seniors, leaving plenty of spots open for next year. The current members of JV are the most likely candidates for those spots, yet as of now there are seven freshmen and three sophomores on that team. But even though the future of the program is certainly going to be interesting, our teams now are bonding better than ever, and we hope to keep it that way in the years to come.
“I think as a team we’re getting stronger. I think this is the closest that we’ve ever been, team-wise, with girls and the relationships, which, with that, maybe we don’t have the strongest skill-set we’ve ever had but we have the closest relationships, which I think will end up being better in the long run.” says Emily Weaver, senior, captain of the varsity team.
“We don’t worry too much about starting over next year because this is a great opportunity to build our program. We have so many talented young girls and what makes it even better is so many of them are able to play club, which will help them continue to grow before we get them back next year.” says Kacie Miller, assistant varsity coach and former student of Apopka High.
– (varsity lined up before a game)
The freshman coach also had something to say about the bonds already being formed on her team, even though the girls have only played a few games together.
“I think that’s really important about coaching the freshman team, to have them be part of something right off the bat at the beginning of the school year. I know they talk constantly via texting or snapchat or whatever they have for communication.”
There is also plenty of school spirit with the coaches for this program, as there are people who once attended Apopka High School and played on the team.
“For me, I think attending Apopka as a student makes coaching here mean that much more. I truly enjoy coaching and being able to give back to a place that gave me so much. It is truly an awesome opportunity. My volleyball career really took off from my experiences here. So the fact that it’s come full circle is a really humbling experience.” said Kacie, in regards to her previous connection with the school. Emily has also been on this team longer than anyone else currently, so she feels quite strongly for the team, too.
“I don’t wanna say that I feel more passionate about one thing more than the team ‘cause I think we’re all equal, because we’re a team. But with me being here for four years, I think it doesn’t mean more necessarily to me, but I feel like I’ve been putting so much effort into it that I do feel like that. You know what I mean? Like I put four years into this, even though there have been girls that are on JV and freshman. I feel like being on varsity for four years makes me work harder,” she said.
– (Tulsa, varsity outside hitter)
The performance of the teams may not seem up to par for this season, but the seniors and coaches appear optimistic, basically saying that we haven’t yet found our groove.
“I tell my girls all the time that we control our own energy and we have time to play our game well enough so as to not even let it come down to the referee making a game altering call. As long as we take control of the game early and keep our composure, I think we’re unstoppable.” said Kacie.
Concerns for varsity once the seniors have gone are low, as there are upcoming players that have plenty of experience, but didn’t make varsity because of the limited availability for underclassmen.
“No, okay so we have ten seniors, yeah, and we’re amazing and that means we have great experience on the team. But when I was a freshman and sophomore we had five, six, and seven seniors, and look where we are now! We’re still good, we’ve got great setters coming up from JV that are freshman this year. We have great middles, great hitters, and a great libero. Miranda’s amazing, and Jada’s awesome too. I’m not really worried, it’s definitely gonna be a rebuilding year next year, but it won’t be super bad. It won’t be awful,” said Emily.
– (JV huddled during a game)
Players have received new and attractive practice shirts adorned with their last names on the back, as well as quarter-zipper jackets with the Apopka Darter logo as a result of the funds raised. The teams held a carwash at Chick-fil-a, raising over nine hundred dollars, as well as gaining money from selling ads to be handed out or displayed in the gym. The program seems to be looking up, even though there will be many players graduating this year.