Story by Senior Jessica Bunch
“The expert in everything was once a beginner.”
This quote exhibits the progress the Varsity Volleyball team made the night they almost beat Victory Christian. In the past season, beating Victory was something the team had never come close to.
The night of the Victory game was different this season; the Pacers volleyed back and forth, keeping the score close. The Pacers lost the game, but only by two points. After that night, Victory, along with many other teams, began to see the Pacers as competition. “It was rewarding to know that they viewed us as competition and you could tell that they weren’t confident in their win.” said Junior Mique Frain.
At the beginning of the season, the varsity volleyball team didn’t think they would be anything special. The first practice, they were proved wrong. Coach Joe Rich came into the gym with high expectations. A former marine who played for the All Marine Team and also played pro volleyball in Europe, Coach Rich had the experience needed to turn the team around.
“We kinda had to start from scratch, but he was a great coach who pushed us in ways other coaches hadn’t. He started with teaching us basics and giving us a correct foundation, and our skills improved dramatically from there,” said Senior Savannah Balluch.
Another element the Pacers worked on this season was playing as a team. “We have grown so much this year, not only in our skills which have been proven on the court, but as a team. A lot of people have told us we needed to play more as a team, and this year we have really improved on our team building, especially with a coach who stresses leadership and unity.” said Savannah.
Despite past seasons and records, the Pacers have made a drastic change for the better in their skills and unity that will last for years to come.
