High school volleyball provides student-athletes with the opportunity to form close friendships and develop strong connections with their teammates. It provides the girls with an opportunity to develop leadership, cooperation, and resilience.
Through its structured practices and careful discipline, the girls critique each other on what they should practice and get better at. They not only critique each other, but they also help one another when it comes to practicing something they would like to work on.
The team has three captains—Cadet Santiago, Cadet Wright, and Cadet Dally. These distributed leadership models allow for the representation of diverse perspectives and promotes shared responsibility among team members. The Captains take responsibility for the team and teach them good sportsmanship and integrity. They teach the girls how to play with decency but also aggression.
The program has two coaches who collaborate throughout the volleyball season. While practices are sometimes divided to address the specific needs of Varsity and JV athletes, the coaches emphasize unity by integrating the teams during games. This approach fosters a cohesive identity, encouraging all players to support one another regardless of their squad designation.
A defining feature of the team is its supportive environment. When a player makes a mistake, teammates offer encouragement and motivation. According to team captain Cadet Kate Santiago, “The team is an amazing environment to be in, and everyone supports each other. I really appreciate how when someone makes a mistake, they get back up with a smile on their face and try again.” Such sentiments are echoed by other members, who consistently praise the team’s positive atmosphere.
Players particularly value the coaches’ understanding and straightforward guidance. As Cadet Auryanah Sanchez states, “I love how the coaches are always straightforward and help you with the things you need.” The coaches commitment to both personal and athletic development is a cornerstone of the program’s success.
The girl’s high school volleyball team demonstrates how intentional leadership, collaborative coaching, and a culture of support can create an enriching environment for young athletes. These elements not only enhance athletic performance but also contribute to the complete development of each team member.