41athletics

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40 page by maya collins and Braelyn Wahy

pink

eyes up Hands clasped together, Sarah Williams (10) passes the ball. Williams, usually the setter tried out a new position playing back row during the game on October 2. "I really liked playing backrow because I was able to experience a new perspective of the game," Williams said. photo by Laila Cohen

Junior varsity volleyball players overcome challenges throughout the year by bonding and practicing.

new beginnings A brand new set of players were brought together to fill the JV volleyball team in August. During tryouts introductions were a top priority and quickly the girls got to know each other. "Going into tryouts I was super energetic and ready to get the season going,” Sophia Panarese (8) said.

practice makes perfectThe young athletes on the team learned and repeated drills at each practice. Coach Gabby Dixon, who recnetly joined the coaching staff was a HT volleyball alumni. "I really liked our coach because she really helped us grow as a team, and she was really familiar with the sport," Anna-Katherine Harman (9) said

Ready for anything As the first game approached the girls waited for the referee to blow his whistle and start their first match against Lake Nona. This was the first time that this group of girls had ever played together. “Lake Nona was a really good team and we had to fight hard for every point.” Maya Collins (7) said.

Up to the taskThe girls practiced 8 hours a week and continued to work on their siklls based on game analysis. The girls ended their season with a 6-4 record. "I think the season went really well considering everyone was new to the team,” Sophia Panarese (8) said

movesbold

JH players share their best volleyball movessydney borboroglu (7)"My serve because everyone cheers me on and the crowd always goes wild when I make it over."

ivy knight (7)"Setting because I can help my team get hits and score points."

lani watt (7)“My serve because even though I'm nervous I can hear my team cheering me on."

bump backup Her platform out, Kareena Mathews (8) passes the ball to the setter, Sarah Williams (10). While Mathews was passing the ball, Ally Turner (9) was scissoring, a drill they had practiced a lot this year. “I wanted to pass a good ball to the setter so that we could get an attack and score a point,” Mathews said. photo by Laila Cohen

prayersinJH team gathers around the center court to pray before the game on Oct. 4.

All through October the JH volleyball team wore pink jerseys to support breast cancer awareness. They prayed for everyone battling breast cancer to show their respect and support. "I loved being able to pray for breast cancer awareness because it made me feel good inside," said Savannah McGrew (7)

SERVE THEM Up Eyes on the ball Amanda Kelce (9) prepares to serve. "When I serve I always feel a rush of adrenaline especially when it is a close game.  photo by Laila Cohen

serve Ready In position to recieve, Anna-Katherine Harman (9), and Bella Rogers (8) watch the serve. "The game against Westshore was really intense because it went to three sets and the game was close the whole time," Harman said. photo by Laila Cohen

Nerve in the serve Focused on form, Maya Collins (7) steps up to the service line and prepares to serve at her first game. Collins was the only seventh grader on the team. “It was scary being the only seventh grader on the team, but I became more comfortable because everyone was like big sisters to me," Collins said. photo by Bailey White

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hitsminiLower school volleyball teams practice their skills in preparation for games

photos by Maya Collins

Led by coaches Bonnie Priester and Julie Davilla, the fifth and sixth grade volleyball teams played in the championship game against their rivals, Indian Harbor Montessori. The team played in a competitive christian league that helped the athletes discover their passions for new sports. “The championship game was really intense but we had a lot of fun playing as a team," said Ava Knight(6)

BEAU Couture (6)

alizeh irfan (5) AVA knight (6)

JADALYN Morel (6)