Wakefield High School’s varsity volleyball team has hit the ground running, starting the season with an array of exciting matches and a record of 11-12. The volleyball team is a group of passionate student-athletes. Every game brings a crowd ready to support the players as the stands are filled with people on the edge of their seats as the thrill of the match goes on. The team was able to make it to the state playoffs.

Sophomore, Giselle Rosa believes that team success comes from the support of people they love and their teammates. Rosa believes that the right support can set her team up for victory. She encourages those to take on the mental challenge of volleyball seriously.

“The girls on the team are very close and we all have a really great bond,” Rosa said. “That helps us stay connected on the court and when we’re in tough situations, we’re here to support each other.” 

Captain Naomi Chester believes that having people supporting her improves her performance and mood. Chester considers that having people willing to support her makes her a better team player and, overall, more successful in volleyball.

“I define success by being on a team that is willing to work together [whether we] win or lose by helping each other and building each of us up,” Chester said. “My biggest supporter is my mom. I come from a big volleyball family, so having her in my corner really helps [me].” 

Junior, Lila Piburn believes success comes from motivation and being able to learn from mistakes. Piburn also finds that discipline and mental strength are necessary to succeed in volleyball.

“My mother is my biggest supporter,” Piburn said. “She celebrated all my success but also supported me through my failures; [She] helps me learn how to be better and allows me to grow from my mistakes.” 

Piburn also states that self-criticism brings down self-confidence. Piburn shows the importance of not taking criticism to heart and having more confidence ultimately builds you to be a stronger player. This mindset resonates with Head Coach Alyssa Pitt.

“Mental strength is important because as an athlete, you will have pressure from your teammates, coaches, parents and even fans to perform,” Pitt said. “It is easy to get in your head when mistakes happen, teammates get frustrated, [or if] the crowd is yelling at you, and you have to stay focused in the midst of all these things. As a coach teaching mental strength, it is up to the athlete to use those skills in the game.”