“How you practice is how you play whether you believe it or not,” said Senior Setter and Right Side Hitter, Hope Baumgartner, and she could not be more right. Neuqua Valley’s Girls’ Volleyball team is one that is given little attention because they graduated seven key players last year; thus, the school is not listed as one of the teams to look out for in this sport. However, all five teams are standing out at each game, and that is because they do the same at practice. Even the most miniscule details of drills, warm-ups, and scrimmages are completed with the utmost of determination and effort. Not a single player lacks in willingness to work hard, and this fact is what is putting Neuqua’s name on the list this season.
Part of the expertise that makes this team successful is their devoted personal trainer, Craig Federico. Federico has been a trainer and conditioner since 1989 on both collegiate and professional levels. For most of his career, he has worked with male athletes. Needless to say, this group of young women has not ceased to challenge him. Surprisingly though, he said that his favorite part about his job is, “Trying to figure out the girls. It seems to me more than a physical thing, it’s a psychological thing. I’m used to the guys, and it’s a different approach.” The relationship between Federico and the team is one that is both demanding and personally influential; their actions work cohesively, creating a true team.
Without teamwork, there is no team, simply put. One of the policies now implemented in practices are uniformed t-shirts. Each day of the week is assigned a different shirt which is worn by the players and staff alike. “[It] creates uniformity across the board,” said Kelly Simon, Head Coach. Junior Middle Hitter, Kayla Ovington, mentioned her fondness of the team shirts as one of the changes she hopes will stay with the future teams. The girls have also gone to team building events including Lincoln Marsh. “It gives the girls a chance to get out into the wilderness. They have a lot of bonding moments out there,” said Simon.
Neuqua’s team does not only focus on their performance during practice, but also on their ability to make a difference. Although the senior players are sad about their last year, they are optimistic about the future of Neuqua Volleyball. The leadership role that they have inhabited this year is an important one. “As a senior, I think it’s important to be a leader, not only for the underclassmen, but also for the younger players on my team,” said Senior Outside Hitter Rachel Quakenbush. “Stepping up into leadership really helps our team be successful.” Baumgartner organized a charity event with Elgin’s Volleyball team in which both teams brought food to donate to Loaves and Fishes. These are the types of leaders the team needs, and it is more than fortunate that they have them.
Keep an eye out for the Lady Wildcat Volleyball Team. They are more than ready to take a hold of a championship, and with their determination and spirit, it is more than likely that they will.
By Mya Ervin, Echo editor-in-chief
Photo by Lucas Giolas, Echo photo editor
