![Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions. “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.](https://archeroracle.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/grandparents-day-option-2-1200x800.jpg)
Photo gallery: Varsity beach volleyball takes on Santa Monica High School
March 27, 2022
As the sun sets on the Pacific, Archer’s varsity beach volleyball team hits the sand. The team is comprised of 14 total players, with one senior, five juniors, three sophomores and five freshmen, all hosting a range of skill levels. The team took on Santa Monica High School March 9 at the Annenberg Beach House. Besides facing opponents, the team typically practices four days a week. Freshman Taviana Memoli said this season allowed the team to bond with each other across grade levels.
Junior Presley Wernick and freshman Lily Grouf get into position with coach Elina Domnidou by their side. “The team is chill and fun,” Wernick said. “Everyone is there for a good time.”
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Junior Maya Bajaj and sophomore Chloe Chu regroup with coach Tom Slauterbeck. Bajaj played on Archer’s varsity volleyball team during the fall season.
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Wernick and Grouf go into defensive position against Santa Monica High School. “My favorite thing has just been getting to know everyone,” Grouf said.
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Sophomore Gemma Larbalestier and junior Uma Bajaj meet with Slauterbeck before their match. “We’ve bonded throughout the season,” Bajaj said. Santa Monica High School beat Archer with a score of 3-2.
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Junior Meera Mahidhara watches freshman Grace Ryan serve the ball. Memoli stands ready to return the ball. “My favorte thing about beach volleyball is being able to make new friends,” Memoli said. “Especially in older grades.”
Senior Alexa Marsh writes down stats while watching Bajaj and Chu. “It’s fun and it’s about communication,” Marsh said. “Everyone works together to improve.”
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Larbalestier and Bajaj high-five and encourage each other after winning a point. “My favorite thing about beach volleyball is the social part because as a team, we’re all pretty close,” Bajaj said.
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
Freshman Dylan Evans-Robinson and sophomore Sabrina Walker take a break in between matches. The entirety of the team is considered varsity, therefore, girls across grades get to play together.
Photo credit: Grace Doyle
