The volleyball team comes in each year, spiking, diving, and setting. They’re in a difficult district this year, and they’re going down with a fight. For Blakelee Hodnett (10), volleyball is more than just a game. It’s an experience. The action and the connection build a deeper bond than most.
“I am most excited to improve, and honestly, I’m most excited to get closer with our teammates for future seasons. I still have two more years on the team, so I’m excited to win and have a better record than last year,” said Hodnett.
This connection between teammates is a difficult bond to build. So much goes into this game that not everyone understands. It’s an experience that only being on the court could give you.
“I think a lot of fans and spectators don’t realize that it requires so much trust in your teammates, you have to really trust that they’re gonna do their job, and as long as you do yours most of the time, it works out, but sometimes it doesn’t, even if you do trust them. I think that spectators don’t get that because they just think we’re best friends, and that’s not always the case, and we have to work to get to that level of trust,” said Hodnett.
Along with this bond, however, come the most important moments. The ones that make up the way you feel during the game. The jitters and pride. This is a big feeling for these girls, so sometimes taking a minute to breathe takes a lot.
“It is hard [to control my mindset], it’s really hard, I get really down on myself because I feel the need to perform well, but one way I control it is just remind myself that God’s plan is better than mine and everything I’ve done is for a reason so even if I do make a pass, it’s okay,” said Hodnett.
To form their bond, the girls have to come together and create memories. Memories that will last a lifetime.
“I love last year during the season we went to my cabin, and we had a lot of fun, we swam and stuff, but I also love our pregame meals. We have a lot of fun just eating and laughing and talking,” said Hodnett.
Those good memories come with some great moments. From hitting the perfect set to scoring aces, these girls are all over it.
“Well, Rylee Bolling, [is an amazing player and] her hits are insane, and Kymber Carroll. All of our hitters, really. Kylie and Madison, they’re all great, and I just love when they kill it and no one else touches it, and obviously, for me, I love diving around,” said Hodnett.
With her teammates by her side and helping everyone stay strong, Hodnett expects a good, strong year from the volleyball team. They’re sticking together and setting each other up for success throughout the season.
