The boys volleyball team is currently at a growing stage in their second year as a sanctioned sport. Currently the boys are in the 6A division, but since the loss of so many students at Fremont, the school’s population has gone down, meaning we should transition to 5A next year. These groups are the classifications for each school based on enrollment size. Each one has their own set of teams they play meaning we are currently at a more unleveling playing field.
Luckily, there were enough players to fill a full roster for all three levels of the team–Sophomore, JV, and Varsity. Coach Mailoto, the Varsity head coach, has been playing volleyball since she was 8 along with coaching club volleyball for 15 years and highschool for 12. She says, “Our record doesn’t reflect how much talent we have and how close our games are.”
The team continues to not let that be a big role in how they play, they are continuing to work hard and have fun no matter how good or bad the outcome may be.
Throughout all parts of a game, they are constantly supporting each other. They have chants that include stomping, cheering and clapping to help keep their teammates energy up and the support high. This is noticed by everyone watching their games as they can easily see how energetic everyone on the court and the bench is.
Korver Lewis (#1), a sophomore, has been playing volleyball for 4 years and Fremont for 2. He is the libero on the varsity team, a back-row specialist, and has an average of 10 digs per game, which requires the player to be focused and able to get low in order to save the ball or pass to a teammate for a setting or scoring opportunity. Lewis reflects , “ …you’re out there with everyone–it’s not a solo sport. You’re playing it with your whole team. So if one person messes up, it’s not the end of the game–everyone keeps on playing.”
One of the key components to any sport is having a good mentality, which is just as important as your physical gameplay. It’s a necessary balance to maintain and this team represents that perfectly. They are driven to push themselves no matter the situation.
A prime example of this is Carter Green (#12), the boys volleyball varsity captain. He plays outside hitter with an average of 7 kills (hits) every game. His primary job on the court is to attack the ball from the front row, play defense from the back row, and block opponent’s attacks. As described by player Korver Lewis, Green is “… a freaking stud. He puts his head down and he gets to work. He doesn’t complain, and he’s just a good guy.”
Some players stated how easy it was to get frustrated with the other team and with themselves. One of the ways they gathered themselves during those moments was to take a break during the game. This included taking a time out or using a substitute to give them a minute to calm themselves down and get their head back in the game.
Carter Green expresses what he has learned throughout the season, “Never give up, especially in volleyball. The game turns so fast and you have to come back from a big loss… it’s just like, you know what, there’s another chance to win…never give up and never get down on yourself. There’s always a chance to come back”
The team is at state this week where they are continuing to grow together and build up their momentum for next season.
