The volleyball team got off to a flying start this season with a record of 20-2. The team, led by a strong core of experienced seniors, used their high spirits and endless energy to outlast opponents on the court.

“[We] work our hardest on the court no matter who we’re playing, so on every single play we’ll go after the ball as hard as we can, even if it’s against lower teams,” senior blocker Stephanie Lugus said.

The team bond with one another helps them to achieve this success. They all believe in the importance of pushing each other to their furthest and that through the motivation of positivity, they can work to become more well rounded players.

“We’re very supportive. Every practice we’re just working our hardest, we’re always encouraging each other. We just want everyone to compete against each other so that we can be the best team that we can be,” said senior Katie Smith, “[I contribute our success to] our hard work. We work really hard together and we push each other to our farthest”.

“[We’re] like family, like honestly we’re just one big family. We joke around all the time, make fun of each other all of the time and honestly just have a bunch of fun,” Lugus said.

One senior who plays an especially crucial role in the bond of the team is captain Cindy Yu.

“I have the awesome opportunity to be a captain this year, so I try to contribute to the team verbally and positively as much as possible,” Yu said, “I also try my best to set a good example to others on the team, whether that’s good sportsmanship, being disciplined and diligent, encouraging others or simply by playing volleyball to the best of my ability”.

Longtime coach of the team, Mark Ragland, is a large source of inspiration for his players which is shown through the praise they give him and his achievements.

“He is a major influence on the team. He really pushes us to work our hardest not only on the court, but in general. He is full of wisdom and inspiration, he always knows what to say. He amazes me every time he opens his mouth, teaching me a new lesson everyday. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor,” Yu said.

Ragland has coached the team for 28 years and has registered 21 district tournament wins along with five regional championships and a state championship.

“He’s probably one of the biggest influences. He pushes us to our hardest and he’s the reason why we’ve won everything that we have,” Smith said.

As the season comes closer to an end, the possibility of a deep run in the postseason grows larger and larger. While the prospect is exciting, the team knows that they must keep their heads down and work hard if they want to make their goals a reality.

“Our goal is most definitely states, but at the same time, our goal is to play to the best of our ability every game. That should hopefully lead us to our main goal which is states. Me individually, I don’t think about states at all, I think about playing as a team, and trying to improve everyday. I try to think about the little things first and then the big things, and I think most of the team does the same,” Yu said.

Regardless of what the mindset of the team is, the players gave one last message to the fans and to the school by outlining their goals for the end of the season;

“Pats to States”.