As the season progresses, the volleyball team’s seniors try their best to support younger volleyball players. Unlike other sports such as football and soccer, the volleyball team only has one captain, senior Maisen McKemy.
McKemy works to inspire the freshman in improving their ability to play and interact at the varsity level.
“I think as the oldest on the team, the underclassmen definitely look up to us on how to perform at a higher speed and intensity, and also what it’s like to play for each other and not selfishly,” McKemy said.
Some skills cannot be learned on the court, but rather must be learned through experience. McKemy emphasizes to younger players how crucial it is to take the games seriously, especially at the varsity level.
“The seniors have stressed to the younger ones on how important this season is to us and I think that will help them want to give it their all and push themselves harder,” McKemy said.
Being the captain, McKemy must interact with referees on the court, and dispute if an unfair call is made by the referees. This role is vital to how a game turns out and can bring unfair calls to light.
“As the main source of communication between the refs and the coaches, if we want to argue a call I am the one going up to the referee to argue. I need to be as respectful as I can without letting my emotions get the best of me,” McKemy said.
Teaching younger volleyball players skills is key to the volleyball team’s future seasons, but keeping a positive morale on the team now is just as important. Seniors on the team have to step up and be supportive to the underclassmen, notably Mackenzie McCormick. McCormick encourages her younger teammates using various methods which she herself has created.
“I try to have a very positive attitude and have lots of energy. They feed off of that and in turn have lots of energy and be super positive. Just something as simple and being overly hyped when cheering attracts the girls to want to do the same. I have started this thing when I go down the line to give high fives, I will “rawr” at them. They might have thought it was crazy at first but now they will join in with me, I have even gotten the coaches to do it,” McCormick said.
Having a constructive mindset as a team is extremely important to keeping the team together. Learning new skills can be difficult for newer players, and having a connection with seniors can be very beneficial in the learning process
“I feel like I can sometimes relate to and help younger players a little more because I am usually trying to work on the same things as them and I have my own ways to help them understand. The younger girls are also very receptive when I explain things to them. In my opinion, there is more of a connection between player to player rather than player to coach,” McCormick said
All in all, it is up to the seniors to lead the team to a more positive future. Learning mindsets and morale cannot always be taught by coaches, which is why seniors role in teaching is so important.
