By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
Starting off similar to last season, the varsity volleyball team opened up on a hot streak. At 7-2, they looked poised to recreate last year’s pattern of success, but soon found themselves on a rocky patch after a tough loss to Sullivan.
“We started out really strong and eager to get out there and play. But, then I think we kind of hit that dip in our rollercoaster. We’ve played some tough teams in the middle of the season and the girls started to overthink a lot,” head coach Jessica Robertson said.
“We tried to break some things down and let them enjoy it.”
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Robertson coordinated with the football team and put them through a day of volleyball drills, giving her squad a much-needed break.
“The girls had fun with it and seemed to lighten up. They relaxed a little and that helped us come off of that losing streak,” she said.
One of the other challenges pointed out by Robertson was the changeover and loss of last year’s seniors. The vocal and aggressive group pushed to a 17-8 overall record and even managed a sectional championship appearance.
“It’s been really difficult. This group of seniors is a little quieter. … They’re not those go-getters that we had last year, so it’s a completely different demeanor.”
But, instead of forcing her current seniors into last year’s mold, she’s chosen to adapt.
“I worked the game around them. I’m big on everyone having a responsibility, so as long as you’re disciplined in fulfilling your responsibility, the team is going to get better,” she said.
“We’re going to succeed in some way no matter if it shows on the scoreboard or not. They just have to learn to trust in the process and stay self-disciplined.”
Though, while adjusting to their demeanor she still pushed to develop that drive and desire to win.
“I’m trying to drive home that killer instinct. We’ve played afraid a lot and especially when we’re down on the scoreboard … we’ve really been big on having that grit, that give-me-the-ball attitude,” she said.
“I’ve told them that these are life lessons. When you go to a job, you don’t turn down work. It’s about saying, ‘Give me that work and I’m going to show you I can do it.’ Confidence is the point I’m trying to drive home.”
While not as aggressive as last year’s squad, the current iteration has compensated with cooperation, attitude and friendship on and off the court. According to senior Chloe Lee, this is the closest team she’s ever experienced.
“This has been one of the friendliest team atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. We’re a really close team and it hasn’t always been like that,” Lee said.
“I think the biggest positive aspect of the team has been our attitudes. Everyone has so much heart for this game and we’ve worked hard on and off the court. That’s what I like to see, win or lose.”
Lee and fellow seniors have been responsible for setting the status quo this season and developing the healthy atmosphere.
“I think the seniors have had a lot of responsibility because we’ve been such a young team this season. They’re a lot of freshmen that looked up to me and Abigail as captains, and I feel that role has been pretty big for me this year,” she said.
Robertson agreed, believing that the actions of her seniors, past and present, dictate the future success of the program.
“Let’s say if the current eighth grade or freshman group come through and win a sectional, it’ll be because of every senior I’ve had in the program. Every senior has contributed,” Robertson said.
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Brown County High School girls varsity volleyball team
Seniors: Myka Snyder, Whitney Clark, Addison Branson, Abigail Hollander, Chloe Lee
Juniors: Lauren Akles, Natalie Suding
Sophomores: Kylie Herald, Abigail Angebrandt, Abigail Bowman, Jayda Scales
Freshmen: Londyn Koester, Milly Patrick, Mary Rygiel, Abigail Watson
Head coach: Jessica Robertson
Junior varsity coach: Dashia Holt
Junior varsity and varsity assistant coach: Amanda Doss
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