Since the ninth grade, seniors Clara Gasparetti, Zoe Pelikan, Valentina Pianiri and Sophie Smyth have not just been classmates, but teammates too. Now, the four are preparing to tackle the challenge of  leading their team to a league championship.

The Oracle sat down with captains Pelikan and Smyth, along with Gasparetti and Pianiri, to learn more about their season so far.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

Valentina Piani [VP]: At Archer, [I’ve played] for four years, but have been playing since fifth grade.

Sophie Smyth [SS]: I have been playing at Archer since eight grade.

Clara Gasparetti [CG]: At Archer, for all four years, which is when I started.

Zoe Pelikan [ZP]: Since sixth grade [at Archer], but I have been playing since fifth grade.

What is it like being team captain?

SS: To be honest, it is the best feeling. As a senior, you know that you are leaving some type of mark on the future of Archer volleyball and volleyball as a whole. It is really rewarding because of how much time I have spent on the team.

ZP: This is my first time being a captain at Archer…It is really special to be considered a leader for this group of girls.

What is it like being a senior on the team?

CG: It is a lot of responsibility because everyone is looking up to you. You have to be the ones to set an example.

SS: Not only are we setting an example for our teammates, but for the future of volleyball. The future girls are going to take on the culture that we have set.

ZP: We are really trying hard to create a new culture for the athletics department. We know that with this group of girls we can go even further [in playoffs] than last year. Before [last year] no one really knew about Archer [volleyball], but now we kick butt — we are awesome.

How has the season been so far?

CG: We have a great group of girls.

SS: I think we all work really well together. Especially, when the upper [class men] interact with the ninth graders. We all have a great relationship with each other.

VP: I like that on the court you have a mix of everyone, in every grade playing…When we went to Santa Barbara [for the Laguna Blanca Tournament], everyone got really close, and that shows on the court.

What was it like traveling to Santa Barbara?

ZP: It was such a good opportunity for us to bond. I think we really did get a lot closer as a team. It was our first year playing with each other, and [prior to the trip] we didn’t know each other that well. Being in the same space with someone for so long continuously really helps you get to know someone. I think that is really beneficial because our relationship off the court really does affect our relationship on the court.

SS: I think this is my favorite team I have ever been on.

What makes this team special?

VP: First, we are good.

SS: Everyone is a really solid and a well-rounded player, and everyone is adaptable to different positions. In terms of our team’s relationship with one another, we are closer than we ever have been as friends, which really allows for more communication and more talk on the court. We are just better as a whole.

CG: I think developing a sense of trust helps us on and off the court.

VP: In other years it was really divided by grade, but this year we are all friends with everyone. There’s no fear or intimidation.