Club”Starlings” is held in the Wolfpack’s school gym although the club is an outside school activity. Regardless, the Wolfpack’s few student athletes that are a part of the club show their passion and dedication to the sport by playing during off-season. The club is popular through multiple previous or prior athletes such as players from the Wolfpack’s very own girls volleyball team. It is popular for the boys volleyball team to drop in during practices as well due to being currently in season. Starlings attracts a variety of passionate players on or off campus and has motivating coaches to oversee the players and increase their potential as the season progresses.
Currently the club is not taking admissions due to being in season already. Although interested parties can talk to coach Gomez, volleyball coach, about joining the Wolfpack’s volleyball team. Most members on the team have had prior volleyball experience which makes joining seem easy. For future interested parties, there are fees that you must pay to join the club and 10 days of tough conditioning to show that the players are truly up to the test. Players on the team have a similar conditioning ritual for joining any of the Wolfpack’s volleyball teams prior to trying out, which they call “the 12 days of hell,” due to its high intensity. A player’s determination and grit shows itself on the court through honest hard work and by nurturing a growth mindset. It isn’t until they are on the court that they are truly able to show off their skills-on a beach court!
Much of the encouraging energy that prospers throughout the team is impeccable and one of the most motivating aspects to the team, as said through Alexa Godoy, a junior, and the few other members of the team. On the courts it goes bump, bump, spike! Everything goes so fast paced that it evokes such strong emotions throughout the players and their court. As players of the court say that the beach volleyball courts prove to be more high-risk. Even talking about the club as a whole, the girls say that the club deems itself to be more competitive than the school volleyball team.
Sand in shoes, high winds in their hair, beach courts prove to be no challenge for the Wolfpack’s girls in the club. The environment is new compared to the usual indoor volleyball setting, though the girls enjoy going to the beach and competing against other clubs and teams. Godoy is a first timer on the club, she states,”…it’s more of a serious game, you wake up super early and go to these huge tournaments where you’re surrounded by really serious volleyball players.” She also goes on to say that the club is “super tiring” and “a huge commitment.” Along with the fact that the games overall are tougher which brings out a more competitive side to the teams. Though the girls are brave and they hope to make it into the playoffs next year, they compete in a higher position.
The differences between beach volleyball and indoor volleyball are very vague and minimal changes. Such as a small yet very big one is the fact that your team is reduced to two players per court. Meaning the players need a lot of trust in the other person in order to have proper communication and good combined skills to win. This is proven to not be any sort of a block or challenge due to the fact that they are all close with one another and go out of their way to be the best teammates they can be. That includes being there and supporting each other whether or not you are currently on or off the field.
Many of the girls within the team encourage others to try out. At the very least they should try out for the Wolfpacks girls volleyball team and get started on a new journey. Girls such as Ashley Lopez show just how passionate they are about volleyball through their efforts on the court. The sport itself also builds confidence.“More girls should definitely join! Plus the memories you’re gonna make are the best part,” Godoy added. She went on to talk about how volleyball in all has been a great motivator and uplifter for her and her mindset.
The club provides a very encouraging and supportive team including an environment for all girls. Although this club is mainly for girls 17 and up. Competing as a high-school student against other older girls is a lot more difficult than it is shown. Though the team has fun overall and enjoys support from many other teammates throughout the matches and especially during practices. Overall there are many great bonds created as well as the season progresses throughout its many games. Lifelong memories are made here as said through both coaches and the members of the team.
Girls volleyball club although it remains an outside of school activity, girls are always welcome to join and participate in this club. Overall the club in itself provides benefits such as staying active, making lifelong friendships and memories, and building up their own experience in volleyball. Although most girls join in for fun and for the casual playing time, though this can prove to be a challenge for most, these girls are brave enough to try.
