Passing the Ball

PLAY. Junior Sophia Cagle bounds into position, ready to return the ball. Photo courtesy of Noah Read.

This last month Girl’s Volleyball VHS team has kicked off strong, balancing school work between rigorous afterschool practice and already competing in five games. Currently VHS stands at 8th in the 1A Nisqually district, and JV won their first game.

A typical game is played between two teams of six players and their goal is to send the ball over the net without the opponent returning it legally. Players may not catch, hold, or throw the ball, instead they use bumps, spiking, and serving to get the ball over the net. Usually there is a set amount of contacts per side and each individual may only hit the ball once each time it enters their side. Usually, matches are played best out of five sets, having each set played to 25, where you can win by a two-point margin.

“I think volleyball is a lot of fun for me, and it really makes me happy as it motivates me. I’m like a pretty competitive person so it’s fun to win when/if we do.” Eleanor Wolcott, a standout Setter on the Varsity team, shared.

Competition and practice require high levels of coordination, strength, and power. The volleyball players must predict where the ball will go and additionally get themselves there soon enough to return it. This requires different roles among a team to apply themselves in various situations. The core volleyball positions are Setter, Middle Blocker, Outside Hitter, and Opposite Hitter. As well as back-row roles such as Libero.

Team captain Diana Trundle plays as the lead Middle Blocker and Right Side Hitter. Sophia Cagle, Junior team captain, plays as a Libero. Their coach, Allison Trundle describes them to lead with “strength and versatility and consistency and heart.”

“Each player has a different position on the court and we each have a role. Basically we just do our best and try to win.” Ada Umbach said.

“I really like setting because I think it requires a lot of thinking, like on the spot thinking. Which makes it challenging because you are in the moment analyzing what to do with the pass and I really like that.” Eleanor Wolcott said.

As with any sport however, injury prevention is crucial and volleyball members partake in numerous workouts and stretches in order to stay healthy and capable. They warm up everyday, invite a personal trainer to help avoid incorrect technique, and Shane, the physical trainer, helps with physical therapy if an injury arises. Their conditioning consists of cardio, lunges, and leg kicks, as well as other stretches. Volleyball requires agility and commitment so lower extremity injuries can be unavoidable.

“My mom (Alisson Trundell, Girl’s Volleyball coach), found a personal sports trainer, named Tana, and she's worked with college sport teams before. She comes in twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays and we lift, do a lot of conditioning, and like multiple reps to prevent injury.” Dianna Trundle shared.

“We do our dynamics in the beginning [of practice] and we have a trainer and she comes in twice a week I think. She helps us with conditioning and teaches us to gain stability, and train a specific muscle for the games.” Ada Umbach shared.

There are eight freshmen, four sophomores, six juniors, and five seniors who make up the volleyball team, many having played for over four years, having started in middle school. The team agrees that their bond and teamwork goes beyond their age differences and competition level.

“We have a great team, it’s a lot of fun and a cool dynamic. It’s a lot built on strategy, being a student athlete correlates with academics like managing stress and learning that you are capable and working together.” Dianna Trundle said.

“I think [volleyball] is a really good learning experience for energy and teamwork and it's definitely changed how I view team sports. It’s good exposure and I love building connections with my team.” Eleanor Wolcott said.

VHS volleyball seniors celebrating their last year include Team leader Diana Trundle, Isadora Harris, described as a fierce Middle Hitter by her coach Allison Trundle, Anahi Nunez Hernandez, Ada Umbach, and Stella Wahanik, who are all Outside Hitters whom coach Allison Trundle claims, “bring powerful serving, hitting, and digging energy” to the court. They will be looking forward to their senior game, for one last hurrah, and to share their gratitude for having participated in the sport. This season and the senior game will be especially meaningful for senior Diana Trundle and her coach, her mother. It is a bittersweet moment for the team and coach, as they are sad but excited to see the seniors grow, starting this new chapter in their life.

“I haven’t accepted that [the seniors on the team are in their last season], I’m just so focussed on right now. It’s always a little weird and a little sad, cause when you work with someone for so long you really get to know them. They’re great players and there’s great friendships that I see everyday, and good leadership skills—It will be a big loss for sure.” Allison Trundle, the team’s coach, shared.

Overall, volleyball is a good way to stay involved and grow as a person. The team agrees that volleyball is a wonderful way to build connections, learn teambuilding, and gain better control of the body. College pathways may also be a possibility for those interested in playing college volleyball once competing at a certain level. Most importantly though, volleyball is exciting. Serving as a fantastic school sport to participate in and learn from. If you are interested in joining you should start preparing for next year, where you will be very warmly welcomed.