The Faith Lutheran Junior Varsity Volleyball team recently competed in a tournament at Palo Verde high school, winning four games and losing one. No matter what each player on the team is experiencing, high energy or low energy, excitement or nervousness, physically on the court or on the bench, there will always always be one thing they all have in common. Passion for the sport, and a connection with teammates and coaches.

Caroline Logan (10th) said, “Volleyball has made me some lifelong friends, and even when practice or games are hard, the team is always there to lift you up and support you.” Studies have proven that having good connections with teammates encourages motivation. When a player of any sport creates friendships on a team, that could make or break the team.

Even though volleyball gets tiring after long practices, countless games, and weights, putting in effort will determine the type of player one is. A player that only gives 20% effort will barely flourish compared to a player giving 100% effort no matter how tired they are.

Junior Varsity Coach Jessica Diehl stated, “Everyone is required to give their 100% however, some days your physical, mental, and emotional state varies. It’s not about perfection but rather giving your best even on the tough days.” The way you play, think, and act all depends on the way you view the sport. If you take it more seriously, you may put in more effort. If you are just playing for fun, less effort will usually be put in.

Volleyball can hold a huge impact on a player’s life. From discipline to just life lessons, the sport has so much to teach and many learning opportunities. Overall, it increases agility and endurance, creates friendships, improves communication, and also forces one to use their brain and eyes.

Kylie Craig (10) said, “It has impacted me by helping me to create new friendships, but also just gives me something to do and I just really enjoy volleyball.”

Check the athletics page located here https://www.faithlutheranlv.org/hs-sports for the next volleyball game, and support fellow Crusaders.