The energy is palpable as the Mitty women’s volleyball team steps onto the court for a heavily anticipated match up against Saint Francis for the top spot in the WCAL standings. After dominating the competition last year and clinching the WCAL, CCS, and Norcal Championships, the Archbishop Mitty’s Women’s Volleyball team comes back this year with the conviction that they can do it again. With the team filled with new talent and seasoned players, the Monarchs are ready for yet another unrivaled season filled with valuable learning experiences and new team dynamics.
The Monarchs impressive first place standing hasn’t come smoothly. Having lost their first league game to Saint Francis and several other schools in tournaments, the team is grappling with some unexpected setbacks.
Injuries are nothing new to the Mitty team, but they have certainly impacted the team this season. Freshman Chayse Courtney reveals that “it has definitely left a little bit of a hole.” With All-WCAL honorees last season on the sidelines, vital players are missing on the court. However, this hasn’t stopped them from coming to every game and boosting team morale.
“They’ve been really supportive and it’s really nice to see that” Courtney said. “We’re excited to see them get back to playing.”
The full bench at every game is a testament to their strong team cohesion, and at the toughest moments of the game, it’s this commitment to each other that pushes them forward.
Shifting focus beyond the composition of the roster, senior Leyna Nguyen also mentioned another aspect of the current team synergy: “We have a lot of returning players, but [for] our new players, we need to get them up to speed with all the culture and the real intensity of Mitty Volleyball.” With the departure of prior seniors who played a major role in team dynamics and chemistry, the team is focused on integrating new players into the Mitty Volleyball environment and ensuring they feel welcomed and comfortable. Through enduring grueling beach workouts together and hanging out at team sleepovers, a unique bond has formed between the players, bolstering their chemistry on the court. With volleyball emphasizing mentality and connection between players, as Nyugen puts it, “You have to just trust your teammates and trust yourselves.”
Even with all the obstacles the team has dealt with, their mentality remains stronger than ever. Courtney reveals their team motto: “Always next point, next play, next game.” She describes it as a reflection of the game as a whole: one point and one play won’t make or break a game, it’s their response and attitude that will. With pivotal games on the line, the team remains composed, taking each step at a time, understanding that their efforts to earn each point will eventually all add up.
We’ve seen these Monarchs put on an impressive show at their recent games with sweeping victories over every opponent. The bleachers are always packed with eager spectators watching as this group of athletes climbs their way to the top of the rankings. As the team continues to push their limits and challenge themselves every day, the support of the Mitty community is vital. With crucial games coming up, don’t underestimate the Mitty Volleyball team and come to cheer on the Monarchs as they continue their momentum and grow closer and stronger as a team.