Good Chemistry: Girls Volleyball’s State Playoff Run

The Girls Volleyball Team celebrates a decisive victory

Grae Zedlitz, Co-Sports Editor

A good first impression can be the difference between memorability or irrelevance. A good first impression can’t be only results, but the way one attains these results.

The Casady Girls Volleyball team stormed onto the OSSAA scene this season, winning the regional tournament and upsetting third-seeded Summit Christian en route to their first ever playoff run. The Cyclones employed their brilliant camaraderie and team chemistry to work together as a unit, becoming more of a driving force as a team rather than multiple individuals. The Cyclones finished the season at 18-10 (.642 win percentage), with expectations high as the team moves forward into the offseason.

Volleyball is one of the ultimate team sports. Cohesion as a unit can often lead one team to outperform set expectations, with players working to be the best group they can be. “I think all of the players were really close,” Senior Ava Hooten (‘24) commented. “On and off the court. It definitely helped with the chemistry, and we were able to pick each other up when we were down, and we all trusted each other.” Communication is key in volleyball, where one missed call or one miscommunication can lead to a lost point, set, or match. The team’s ability to communicate and support one another propelled them to new heights, and it showed. “Our ability to play together with the same intent is absolutely the best thing about our team this season,” Freshman Amelia Mullen (‘27) observed. “We had really great chemistry as a team. Whether we were on the court playing, or off the court in the locker room before the games, we were all able to be around each other and be really supportive. So, when it came to crunch time situations, we were able to work together really well and trust that everyone around you was playing for you just as much as you were playing for them.” Many key starters will return next season with a reignited fire as they look to make a run for the state championship.

As a captain, there are many high expectations. They must not only be the best leader and athlete they can be, but also support teammates and create more opportunities for success. “I put a lot of effort into my playing time on the court,” sophomore captain Sutton Fraley (‘26) remarked. “I think the biggest role I play as a leader on the team is always to uplift my teammates and ensure that they were giving the best they could. Whether it’s always encouraging, or moving on to the next play, or lifting up my teammates, I think that kind of leadership and support is why I was a team captain.” Captains keep the team together, and establish a protective barrier around the team. All great teams have good leaders, and Casady is no different. The ability to lead can unlock a team’s true potential, and lead them to accomplishments previously dismissed as unattainable.

A good coaching staff can separate a good team from a great one. Coaches hone and sharpen individual talents into team talents, using the skills of one player to accentuate the others. New head coach Rachel Manriquez has upscaled the team’s production. “I think that was the largest impact that could’ve been made. Rachel being our coach was a complete game-changer,” Sutton continued. “Not only did she make us better players, but she made us better people, and brought out the best in all of us.” Coach Manriquez has been on the Casady Staff since 2018 and has made a tremendous influence throughout the athletics program. “We definitely improved skill-wise over the season. We didn’t enter the season as the most skilled team, but we had such an amazing coach that we were able to improve on our skills,” Amelia agreed. “We finished the season as one of the most skilled, and probably the most disciplined teams due to the coaching.” Iron sharpens Iron, as Coach sharpens Player. 

Casady Vollyball’s explosion onto the OSSAA scene has set the standard for the rest of the athletics, as we all look ahead to OSSAA competition in the future. The Cyclones left a lasting impression, one that the team, and others, can look back on with pride.