The HHS girls volleyball team just finished another fall season this year. The hard work shown by the girls on the team was clearly seen by coaches with their strong bond continuing to shine.

“Something I saw this season that surprised me was how dedicated the girls were in both the classroom and the gym,” Assistant Coach Erin Golden said. “It was a lot of fun getting to know the team and working with them every day!”

Volleyball Head Coach and communications art teacher at HHS Olivia Jordan felt the same way.

“The volleyball team offers an opportunity to be a part of a community, to work on your mental toughness, and to have fun,” she said.

For a lot of girls on the team, this season was their very first experience in organized volleyball. This made it a big transition for some.

“This was my first year playing volleyball seriously on a team and having people that were definitely better than me,” Freshman JV player Mary Mawi says. “It was like yeah I have to prove myself, and I think that was the hardest part, and just like getting used to everything,” she said.

Freshman floater Alana Wagner had similar anxious feelings which she also used to remain industrious on the team.

“My first experience with the team was very nerve wrecking because they were all better and it was kind of like they were judging me a little bit,” Wagner said. “But that’s okay, because when you get judged, you work harder.”

Despite pressure, the team’s welcoming atmosphere and encouragement from returners made it an enjoyable first experience for the girls.

“My first experience was so good; everyone was so nice and I wouldn’t change anything honestly,” Mawi said. “I’ve gotten a lot closer with the upperclassmen so it was just really welcoming.“They had such confidence during practices and games that it really inspired me and not seeing [seniors] anymore will definitely affect me.”

Sophomore Varsity Player Arina Durakovic also appreciated this factor.

“We all work well together and the whole season was laughter and fun. With the group of people we have I think we could do really great next year,” Durakovic said.

During the season, Coach Jordan steadily pushed her players. Many of the girls felt inspired by the motivational speeches she gives and her ability to scout for potential on her team.

“I think coach Jordan really did push me to do better because she saw the skill I had that I didn’t see and she just pushed me to do better,” Junior varsity player Maloc Al-Shadod said.

One of the most important things about the volleyball team is the effort being put in by the players. The phrase often said by Head coach Jordan, “Be tough enough” is what the girls lived by this season.

“Definitely be ready to run and definitely be on your A game every single game,” Wagner said.  During every practice make sure you’re on it. Never walk, literally never walk.”

The volleyball team not only emphasizes greatness on the court but also in the classroom. 

“Like many other programs, our coaching staff and players hold the team to high standards both on and off the court. We place a major focus on being successful students before being successful players,” Jordan says.

“Something I saw this season that surprised me was how dedicated the girls were in both the classroom and the gym,” Golden said.

Everyone has noticed something different in the air this season. This amazing group of girls has definitely stood out from the past. Their hard work and dedication make the team very special.

“This year, we had a lot of players who wanted to be on the court. Everyone was working really hard which meant there were a lot of options for who played where. Everyone was willing to play wherever they needed which created a real sense of team,” Jordan said.

To spotlight the team and get fans in the stands, the team found ways to network in order to drive more spectators for support. Posting silly photos and cool posters were some of the ways they advertised the team this season.

“This year’s players really utilized social media to spread the word about games,” Jordan said. “This year we tried a ‘Teachers Night’ where each player invited a teacher to a home game. This will definitely continue. We are also always trying to get more fans at our games, so keep an eye out for fun fan events.”

The JV team this season had 14 girls with 7 wins and 8 losses ending with about a 46% winning percentage. Varsity with 12 girls had a total of 7 wins and 9 losses ending with about a 44% percent winning percentage.

“The thing I’m most proud of is how much effort our team put in each game. Some games we were down many points, but we kept going and never gave up. One thing I loved is that we were always there for each other when one did a good play or messed up,” Durakovic said.

“Being clear what success looks like has been a real game changer for this team. Being successful isn’t always about winning the game; it’s about playing to the best of your ability,” Jordan said. “Come ready to work! We work hard; we play hard!”