This year’s Mustang volleyball season is up and running. The team held their first game against Pueblo Central High School on Thursday, Aug. 22 at home. This was their first game this season with a mostly new team after losing multiple players. Although they did not bring home a first season win, they are working hard to grow as a team.
The team captains this year are Aleia McBride (11), Kloe Roth (12) and AJ Jackson (12).
They all share high hopes for this coming season, “I hope we have fun this season. Past seasons it was a lot more stressful and it was fun,” Jackson said, “so I just kind of want us to have fun regardless if we win or lose.”
The girls also have high hopes about playing with the new team. “I think we’ll do good at just keeping the ball alive regardless of what it takes, because I feel like we’re all very determined, and just want to keep the game going,” Jackson said.
Head coach Gabby Santos also shared high hopes for this coming season. “I think my biggest hope this season is building confidence,” Santos said. “We’ve really been working hard as we have a pretty new team, especially at the varsity level, and so really focusing on building that team chemistry and learning to play together.”
Being on a team where the score of the game can change drastically in just a couple minutes it’s hard to stay positive, but the captains are more hopeful about the mindset of the team this year. “I think everyone will be able to have a good relationship with each other,” McBride said. “Whether we hang out outside of practice or not, we’re all able to put it aside.”
The girls have a lot to look forward to this season, including their team tie dye day that has been a tradition for years. “That’s one thing that has been a tradition ever since my freshman year,” Roth said. “I’m really excited for it.”
One thing some of the girls are looking forward to is the Woodland Park game. “Playing against them is always just the most competitive game and super fun and it’s always a super confident game too because you go in wanting to show them what you can do,” McBride said.
Additionally, they will hold their Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 31 against Thomas McLaren High School.