With the second half of the 2024-2025 school year in motion, student-athletes gear up to play the sports which they love. Preparing for the upcoming season in February, the boys volleyball team has begun open gym practices. These sessions are crucial for building skills and conditioning, and they are also open to athletes hoping to make the varsity or junior varsity teams.
The open gym practices focus on improving essential volleyball skills like serving, passing and spiking while also working on building strength and stamina to ensure players are in peak condition for the season. Training through extensive workouts, players use this time to get ready for the challenges of the season. This year, the team is placing extra emphasis on defense, especially on blocking and receiving drills. These drills are designed to help players reposition effectively, ensuring they can regain control of the game during high-pressure situations.
“Compared to playing volleyball in middle school, this level is better. You can tell most of the players have been playing for a while now because of their variety of skills and consistency. Playing with people who are so well developed is so helpful when trying to get better,” freshman Manuel Rivera said.
This year, the coaching staff is paying attention during these sessions as they scout players for the varsity and junior varsity teams. Their goal is to find players that can help maintain and build on the team’s season from last year. In the 2023-2024 school year, the varsity boys reached the district level after having a great season. In the semifinal match they ultimately lost to Cristopher Columbus High School after a tough game.
These sessions are not only about developing greater skills, they are also about teamwork and communication, which are key components to sealing games. By working alongside their future teammates, players get an opportunity to know their strengths and weaknesses, helping them know what they need to fix to become better players.
“It is helpful to go to the conditionings before the tryouts because you can tell what you need to work on, especially when you see other people play. I took the opportunity to work on my setting and serving because I knew those were my weakest points, and I think it has helped me improve my game in a short amount of time,” sophomore Marcos Daniel said.
Many players on the varsity and junior varsity teams have remained active during the offseason, joining club teams and training independently. This dedication has been instrumental in their development and is essential for the team’s progress. Players not only need to work on their abilities but also balance academics and sports effectively, which is necessary for the team’s overall success.
“It can be very hard to manage all the practices and schoolwork, especially when you are the International Baccalaureate program. That is why it is so important for you to enjoy being part of the team and going out of your way to support them in games, even when you are not playing. This will be my second year on the team, and I hope we can do better than last year,” sophomore Esteban Biurrarena said.
In addition to focusing on their own growth, experienced players are also expected to guide those attending the conditioning sessions, offering advice and encouragement to help them prepare for tryouts. This mentorship offers a welcoming environment, ensuring that new players feel supported and confident as they transition onto the team.
“You can tell that the players who are already on the team care about making sure everyone feels comfortable because of how they involve you with the drills. I remember the first day I went it was easy for me to play with a team because they teach you and tell you what you need to work on. The whole team is nice and it pushes you to want to be on the team,” sophomore Yuval Lenin said.
With open gym sessions coming to an end and the team’s commitment to improving, the team hopes this year’s volleyball season will continue the streak of competitive seasons. By focusing on player development and teamwork, the players and coachers alike are hopeful to reach the District Finals this year.