This 2012 MHS varsity volleyball season has proven to be a unique one. The new dynamic of the team has created undeniable talent amongst the girls this year. The Lady Mavs are 10-11-3 with big wins against Grand Blanc and Brighton. The 16-member team, coached by Jeffrey Stark, differs from the teams in previous years by being abundant with underclassmen.

“I love having young players,” explains Coach Stark. “Yes, they make some mistakes but they are eager. They don’t have engrained bad habits so they’re easy to work with.”

Star players include senior Jonna Villemure, sophomore Whitney Mergens, freshman Isabella Lee,  and sophomore Jillian Butsavich, who have shown leadership and motivation, along with remarkable skill. Between games on Tuesday and Thursday nights, the team improves on its plays at after school practices.

“[The worst part] is practice every day,” says Villemure. “We play better when people are watching us and cheering us on and the away players HATE it.”

The student section at the varsity matches is always lively and supportive. Students from all grades gather in the stands and scream cheers at the top of their lungs. Alex Tollis, varsity volleyball super fan, leads the group in firing up the players on the court.

“[Our goal is to] get the player hyped and instill fear into our opponents,” Tollis enthuses, “And…we dance!”  

Although the fans keep the players excited and determined, the pressure to win is still extreme. The Lady Mavs face one of the toughest schedules in the state. Five of the teams MHS has played have been ranked in the Top 10. Lack of formal game experience has created problems with assuring wins.

“[The biggest struggle] is not playing up to our potential,” says senior Torey Gostek, “Its stressful when we give easy points away to teams that we have the skill to beat.”

The Lady Mavs have irrefutable skill on the court with their blocking and attacking but improved communication and execution are key factors to continue success this season. From the side lines, Stark is aggressive with his coaching to push the players to bring their A game.

“There is a lot of pressure to win. Deciding who to put in is one of the hardest parts,” says Stark.

The intense atmosphere of the volleyball games give girls formal game experience so they can improve week to week. The Lady Mavs hope to improve their skills this season as well as have fun with their teammates.

“The best part is getting to know everyone and getting to bond with the underclassmen who are new to the team this year,” says Gostek.

At the beginning of the season, the players traveled toMaumee,Ohiofor the team building camp. The girls scrimmaged, practiced drills and acquainted themselves with the other students that would also be playing during the 2012 season.

“We stayed up super late and watched Shrek,” says Villemure. “Since then it’s been our team movie!”

After the players returned from team building, the girls have remained close on and off the court. This volleyball season isn’t all about winning; it’s about creating ties between players that will last long after the season is over.