Jr. High Girls in a Huddle

ALL OUT,  ALL GAME,  ALL SEASON.  The Jr. High Lady Mustangs take second place in the BVL tournament. The team collectively came up with the motto ACE: Attitude, Communication, Effort. With this motto, the team was able to accomplish many goals and win not only matches but also a positive team atmosphere. Assistant Coach, Sammy Parker, comments, “We do a really good job working together as a team. The effort part, I think, is something that they take really seriously.” 

Finishing the season with a winning record of 13-6, eighth grader Lindsey Gray says that facing the Hanover Blue Jays was the toughest challenge this season. “We have worked hard during practice and stayed focused on the goal ahead. Although the outcome was not what we wanted, we played hard and focused on the strengths and weaknesses of Hanover. I couldn't be more proud of my team.” The girls all said that when the court is loud with useful communication and energy, that is when they played the best. “Keeping the energy and encouragement up is crucial to a good match no matter the outcome,” Seventh grader Leah Steinfort remarks. The team also enjoys the few home games that they had. The crowd and fan support is something that Valley Heights is so lucky to have. 

Going from Jr. High to High School is a big adjustment. Luckily, Coach Parker and Leah had some advice to get them started. “It is going to take 100%. High School Volleyball is what we prepare them for. The skills that we teach at the Jr. High level are skills that the high school level players are learning as well. If they continue to perfect these skills, they will have a great chance at success going up from eighth grade to Freshman,” Coach Parker states. Leah has something similar to say. “Don’t give up. It will be tough in practices but coaches are always watching so always give it 100%.”

The team is looking forward to next year’s season. The next class coming up has big shoes to fill, but it will be exciting to see where this group goes in the next couple of years.

Article By: Audra Steinfort