Masterman Girl's Volleyball: A Season of Triumph and Growth

As the final whistle echoed in the gymnasium, the Masterman Girls Volleyball Team concluded a season with a record that would be etched in the school's sports history. Undefeated in the regular season and making a remarkable journey to the semi-finals in the postseason, the team's accomplishments were not only reflected in their victories but in the lessons learned during their triumphs.

Angela Xhori (12-2), senior captain and middle block, reflects on her time, emphasizing the significance of teamwork in their success. "I think a lot of our challenges as a team were culminations of challenges that individual players faced. Volleyball is a sport that relies so heavily on teamwork, no one person can do anything of value without at least one other member of the team assisting them. This makes it super easy to blame the team's failures on yourself, and in tense games, that can weigh on you. Thankfully, everyone is aware of this, and the support players give each other is beyond impactful." 

Since assuming the role of Girls Volleyball coach in 2020, Ms. Jones has consistently displayed a fervent commitment to the team's development. She articulates her optimistic outlook: "We are looking forward to continuing the momentum of growing and playing more than we have in the past, in and out of the season." Her words resonate with a dedication to perpetual improvement and a commitment to nurturing a positive team culture.

Ayla McMoore (12-2), an outside hitter, describes the impact the team has had on her and further adds to the idea that in volleyball, the team itself is key to a strong program. “Volleyball has been the one consistent thing I have been committed to throughout high school. The coaches and teammates create such a welcoming and fun environment. Practice was always something I looked forward to at the end of the day.” Sophomore setter Sarah Delli, echoes this idea. “Our team bonding and the energy we bounce off of each other really contributed to our successes this season”.

Gavriela Kalish-Schur (12-4), another outside hitter, provides insights into the team's collective mindset at the season's onset, underscoring the players' familiarity and cohesiveness. “I think the mindset going into this season was that we had a lot of talent, but it was not necessarily new; our starters were almost exclusively seniors and sophomores, so we had played together in the previous season and knew how to play together. In terms of an undefeated season, that is always the goal, but for us, going undefeated meant that we would definitely move back up to the first division, which is definitely something we all wanted." Kalish-Schur’s perspective highlights the team's recognition of their strengths and experience, emphasizing the mindset that contributed to their success.

The goal of an undefeated season was not merely about wins; it held the promise of moving back up to the first division, a collective aspiration for the team. Xhori leaves parting advice for the team, recognizing new coming challenges, she notes, “Moving up a division also has challenges, in that it will be nearly impossible to run an undefeated season like we did this year. The teams are obviously higher ranked, and for good reason.” However, the newfound competition is welcomed as the team continues to improve. 

As the season concludes, it is impossible not to acknowledge the immense leadership of the senior class. Their experience, skill, and dedication have not only propelled the team to unprecedented success but have set a standard for future generations of Masterman volleyball players.