The Prep Girls Volleyball team is looking forward to yet another fantastic season.  This year, they will continue with their unique traditions and enjoy old friends, coaches and new teammates. They will also depend on senior leadership and experience to have a successful season. The team has a certain set of traditions that help focus and motivate the players. These traditions aid in strengthening relationships within the team.

A typical game day for a volleyball player consists of the team dressing up for school and eating dinner together prior to the match. In the locker room, the girls enjoy chocolate milk and cookies, a tradition that has lasted for over eight years. In preparing for the match, the squad sets goals with each other and has “get downs,” where everyone gets pumped up.

The team then takes to the court and warms up with some of their favorite drills. On the C Team, these drills are directed by Amber Ferrese and Val Ritchie, and by Emily Kopca on JV. The varsity coach is Marcene Sullivan, assisted by Peter Eagan and Matt Butler. Although they coach different teams, all of the coaches rely on their more experienced players to be role models and leaders for their new teammates.

Two such players on the varsity roster are #8, Maddie Burnett and #13, Kayla Ayres. Burnett is the varsity captain and plays outside hitter. This is her seventh year playing volleyball. Aside from Prep’s team, she also plays on the club team Sudden Impact. She says her favorite part of volleyball is “Rena Flick and the rest of the girls.” Burnett also finds her inspiration in Abby Rockwell.

Ayresis a veteran senior who plays back row defense and setter. Just like Burnett, she has been playing volleyball since fifth grade. Ayres enjoys serving the ball and she is inspired by previous Prep volleyball players. As a senior player, she is excited about becoming a leader on the team. Kayla’s favorite part of the team is the sense of community and the sisterhood. The Prep Girls Volleyball team has a bright future ahead of it, and the whole school is eager to watch them perform this season.