WRITTEN BY KYLE ABADILLA, RIELLE CHLOE CANLAS, AND JACOB A LOPEZ
During the 2023 boys volleyball season, the junior varsity (JV) team gained some new recruits. We interviewed some of these new players, asking about their experience on the team. First off, we wondered what motivated them to try out this year. Ryan Kim (Class of 26’) stated, “I’d say it would have to be my love of the sport ever since I started playing back in eighth grade.” On the other hand, Zachary Buenaventura (Class of 25’) stated, “It wasn’t originally a plan but half my friends were on the team and seeing them play was really cool. Especially seeing the girls play, I always watched the games and it was something I wanted to try out. In PE, I tried it out and it eventually became something I wanted to pursue and join the team.” Most of the new JV players prior to the season have played volleyball and fell in love with the sport. Over time, you gain a love for the sport you play. We asked the players what they enjoyed most about volleyball. Ralph Bajo (Class of 25’) stated, “My favorite thing is playing with my friends, playing with the team, we’ve created this bond as if we’re a family… The competitiveness overall.” With the competitive aspect of the sport, Ralph continues to be motivated to become the best at the sport he loves. Along with that, the community you’re around is also important as it builds a sense of family bond. The boys have been a team for about 3 months so far. They’ve developed a strong bond that they consider a family. Izac Garcia (Class of 25’) mentioned, “My friends in the team are all very close. We build a strong family.” AJ Dominguez (Class of 25’) then said, “I really like the team, honestly, it’s fun just being around them and playing with them, just you know goofing off.” Throughout the season, the boys on the team have made successful chemistry to help them win their games. Lastly, as the season is coming to an end, we asked what each player is looking forward to most. Jaden Gonzalez (Class of 25’) replied, “Winning our last few games.” With the last home game being on April 17, it is a very special game. Nam Thai (Class of 25’) commented, “[I’m excited for] Senior night.” The new JV players are sad to see the seniors leave, but are excited for them to strive for their future endeavors. In the end, the new JV players have been very successful and continue to work hard to finish the season strong. JV non-league record: (8-3) WRITTEN BY KYLE ABADILLA, RIELLE CHLOE CANLAS, AND NAM THAI As the boys volleyball season is coming to an end, we commemorated our current seniors on April 17th. On that day, the boys played against SOCES, ending their last home game with a win, 3-2. After the game ended, we gave out special recognitions to senior players, Axel Angeles, Vincent Baradi, and Jalen Owens. We also interviewed these seniors, asking about senior night, along with their future endeavors with volleyball as they move to college. First off, we asked what each person enjoyed most about senior night. Axel Angles said, “For Senior Night, I enjoyed my introduction by the coach and felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The introduction by the coach not only recognized my individual achievements but also highlighted the teamwork and the bond that we had built over the two years I was able to spend with him.” Vincent Baradi mentioned, “[I enjoyed] spending the last home game with my buddies you know, I’ve really grown close to them, and it was a special game.” Lastly, Jalen Owens said, “One thing I enjoyed most about senior night was the crowd, our families all coming together for our senior night, and for me, I liked how I got to play a set with Miles. Even though we lost that set, it’s all good. We tried our best, we did really good though. It was fun. I loved it.” Each player got their recognition for their hard work and dedication they put into season. We also asked what skills in volleyball do each of them plan to use later in life. Jalen replied, “Discipline, consistency, just cause this is my first year playing and in order for me to get better is to stay consistent and have some type of discipline in order for me to get better.” Volleyball didn’t only grow him as an athlete, but grew him as an individual, shaping the person he is now. Axel said, “One skill that I plan to use later in life is embracing the pressure.” Stress and pressure is a normal part of life, learning how to deal with it through volleyball has helped him strengthen his mental overall. Lastly, Vincent stated, “I think leadership is the main thing, and I became more confident in volleyball and developed social skills through team bonding and working with other people in the group and I think that is very important in real life.” Through socializing and communication, Vincent was able to be a part of a community that he felt comfortable in. Lastly, as each of them are going to college, we asked if they plan on continuing to pursue volleyball. Axel said, “I was thinking of pursuing volleyball in college but not on a professional level, maybe just for fun, or maybe for club I guess.” Vincent mentioned, “I’ll try my best [to play in college], I’ve already reached out to a few programs already, but we’ll see where life takes me.” Lastly, Jalen said, “No, I don’t plan on pursuing it but I do plan on at least putting an effort to stay consistent with the sport, just play pick-up games.” All three of them believe in staying consistent and having fun playing volleyball. Overall, we’re really proud of the seniors and their willingness to play for the team. They’ve all made it really far as their individual selves and we wish them best of luck in their future! |
AuthorsKyle Abadilla Archives
April 2023
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