Freshman shares FC volleyball experience

Hearts race, hands sweat; butterflies overtake the girls’ stomach. The opposing team begins warm up by slamming the ball across the court. Deep breaths calm the players. A buzzer echos throughout the gym. Both teams run on the court. The game begins.

Whether at practice or at home, volleyball creates excitement, but at a small school this thrilling activity exceeds all expectations. Many different aspects make participating in this sport advantageous. With smaller teams, players have more one on one skill improvement, create long lasting friendships and a bigger chance to play. 

First of all, the smaller the school the smaller the team. Why sit on the bench of a big school when given the opportunity to participate at a small school? The smaller the team, the bigger the chance to play. This benefits the team by giving each member a chance to improve.

Team bonding helps the players get to know each other on a personal level rather than just players on a court. Before each game we run into the locker room and yell some sort of chant. This gets the players pumped, excited and ready to play the game.

As her third year on varsity, Jenny King, ’17, shares what it’s like trying out on a varsity team versus trying out for a bigger school.

“I love the pre-game chants and traditions that we do before our games,” King said. “There is never a dull moment with the girls on my team. When I tried out for varsity freshmen year there were probably about twenty girls trying out. If I was at a bigger school I would never have the chance to make it on the varsity team unless I was an upper classman or the next volleyball Olympic star. Small school teams gives you the opportunity to play on a varsity level and gain the same skills as if you were playing on the varsity team with a bigger school.”

I love playing volleyball at a smaller school because you get many opportunities to better your skills. We grow together through friendships. Having a smaller team gives you more playing time and one on one time with your coach. You are also able to see your teammates around the hallways and classes at school. It is easier to build great friendships with your teammates. –Hannah Nale

An example of our team bonding occurred one day when the team found themselves with extra time due to a game delay. The team stood in a circle, grabbing the hands of random people across from them, forming a knot. In order to reach the goal of the game, the players must untangle from the knot, without letting go of  each others hands. Communication and encouragement were needed to untangle the bunch of tangled arms and hands. We all laughed as each player tried to overcome each obstacle.

On a small team the coach gives more one on one time with each player. This benefits the players by helping them exceed more rapidly in volleyball. If a player needs help in a certain area of volleyball, they can resolve it quickly with help from their coach. Junior Hannah Nale, ’17, describes the perks of playing on a smaller team. 

“I love playing volleyball at a smaller school because you get many opportunities to better your skills,” Nale said.  “We grow together through friendships. Having a smaller team gives you more playing time and one on one time with your coach. You are also able to see your teammates around the hallways and classes at school. It is easier to build great friendships with your teammates.”

Because we are a christian school after each home game we initiate prayer with the opposing team. This puts our focus on God and others despite whether we win or lose. Celeste Counts, ’18, shares about the importance of prayer after games.

“Praying with the other team shows how our school glorifies the Lord through every aspect of our lives,” Counts said.  “Whether we won or lost the game it shows character, it shows that we aren’t just competing with them but we are willing to build each other up through prayer. After the game we come together and pray that the other team wouldn’t have any injuries and that they would be successful for the rest of the season. ”

Volleyball at Fresno Christian is very unique, enjoyable, and fun. The relationships and one on one coaching leave a lasting mark and a desire to play the upcoming year. 

The varsity team will face off the Caruthers Raiders in the FC gym, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. Celebrate with the FC family in recognition of this years’ seniors on Senior Night, Nov. 3.

By guest writer freshman Sophia Kalugin

For more sports articles please read Vander Kooi offers skill, demostrates volleyball passion.