While Archer students enter the new school year, upper school athletes continue practices that have already been underway for weeks; varsity and JV tennis, varsity and JV volleyball and varsity cross country took to the courts and fields before the first day of classes. On the other hand, middle school sports such as swimming, cross country and volleyball began their seasons last week.
Varsity volleyball was the first to start preseason practices July 28. Practices were focused on drills, passing and team building. Their first game was against Pacifica Christian Aug. 14, where they lost 3-0.
Sophomore Luciana Iorillo said the team’s chemistry feels stronger this season, as players are bonding and strengthening their skills. With only two freshmen players on the varsity volleyball team, Iorillo said, the team is adjusting to a new dynamic following the departure of last year’s graduating class.
Iorillo said she helps the two freshmen on the team feel included by being a support system and providing positive feedback during practice.
“I’m just trying to help them if they are getting over-stressed or overwhelmed, making sure that they feel confident and have someone to talk to,” Iorillo said. “I know it’s hard when you’re a freshman and you’re on a varsity sport.”
Freshman Bella Sklaver is the setter on the team, and she plays club volleyball during off-season. Sklaver said it will be hard adjusting to new expectations, but she is excited for the season because everyone on the team is very “welcoming.” Sklaver said her long-term goal for varsity volleyball is for the team to make it to the California Interscholastic Federation.
“Over the next four years, I hope to go to CIF,” Sklaver said. “I know that might not be in the picture for us, but we’re playing Campbell Hall today, which is the top team in our league, so I think [it] would be such a good confidence booster for all of us.”
Although the team did not win against Campbell Hall, Iorillo feels confident in the freshmen, as they carry key roles on the team.
“From how I adjusted when I was a freshman, I think they’re doing way better than I [did]. They are immediately stepping up into their roles,” Iorillo said. “[Bella] is the leader of the court. She’s supporting not only herself, but also everyone else.”
In addition to varsity volleyball freshmen adjusting, Lucy Bohn has begun to adjust as the only freshman on varsity tennis. Bohn has always played singles in the past, but she is now taking on doubles for the first time.
“It’s an adjustment, because I’m not used to having to communicate with someone else, because you don’t know hit is mine,” Bohn said. “It’s more fun. The energy’s up, and it feels like you have someone who can support you on the court.”
Bohn works with her partner on taking advantage of each other’s strengths. For example, if one excels at the net, the other player covers the baseline, so they know when to prepare for a shot or trust that their partner has it covered, Bohn said.
Double pairs stay the same throughout the season, allowing players to build experience in hopes of advancing to CIF.
“There aren’t that many tennis players in my grade. In sixth and seventh grade, I was also the only person in my grade, so I’m kind of used to being like by myself,” Bohn said. “My closest tennis friends are the sophomores since I’ve been with them for so many years. It was a little scary, because I didn’t know a lot of the seniors and juniors, but they’ve really welcomed me with open arms, and it’s a great time.”
