Bump, set, spike! The volleyball season has started, and that means having new coaches and new teams. Volleyball can be very enjoyable and fun as a lot of girls play both club and school volleyball; however, there has been a bit of a struggle for the 7th grade girls A team this year.

Volleyball is a very fun and exciting sport, attracting many students to sign up at St. Robert. This sport really helps players work on their team work. “As a team sport, volleyball is very important because you have to rely on your teammates to do the right thing,” states 7th grade volleyball player, Lucy. By relying on teammates, everyone on the team benefits through collaboration. It really keeps the team closer to each other when they can trust that their teammates have their back and are ready to do their jobs. Having trust in others is a very good life skill for anyone, and plenty of sports – including volleyball – help a lot with that skill.

Furthermore, most girls play club volleyball in addition to school volleyball. Lucy claims, “There definitely is a difference between club and school volleyball. Club volleyball is more intense than school, and it moves at a faster pace.” Skill-wise, club volleyball is more advanced than the Archdiocesan league. Another 7th grade club and school team player Phoebe states, “Club volleyball is more serious, but in school volleyball, I get to play with all of my friends.” Even though club volleyball is more intense and moves at a faster pace, school volleyball may often be viewed as more fun due to playing with one’s closest friends.

Volleyball is really fun in both school, and club volleyball; however the 7th grade girls A team has been having a bit of a struggle. “Coach Katie is an amazing coach, but because she coaches three teams (Dominican high school varsity team, north shore nights club team, and St. Robert school volleyball) I feel like lately there has been a lack of consistency at practices. Our substitute coaches are great, but they all coach in different ways which makes the team a bit disorganized,” claims Lucy. This volleyball team has had three different coaches whom all have there own way of coaching, so when it comes to positions and rotation it is very hard to learn and comprehend. Phoebe explains that it can be frustrating and disappointing to have such disorganized team as she was very excited for this volleyball season. Phoebe also commented, “I really don’t know my rotation because I’m middle hitter this year, so it’s hard for me to figure out what to work on.” Girls usually get to try out all different positions. As of this year a lot of girls on the 7th grade A team play new positions. With this disorganization these girls are struggling to learn how to play the new positions.

Volleyball is fun and exciting in both club and school, but remember to wish luck to the 7th grade girls for their season!