The varsity volleyball team started the season strong defeating the Riverwood and Chamblee, and falling short to the Lambert and Whitefield Academy, which started the Knights to a comfortable 2-2 start. Despite the losses, the knights continue to stay optimistic about the upcoming season.

“The first two or three games of a season are always going to be the most informational games, to see what we need to work on,” junior Briaiah Lewis said. “We know what it takes to win. We’ve seen the energy, practice and communication it takes to get there.”

Last year, the volleyball team had an impressive regular season record of 22-9, but lost in the second round of playoffs.This fall the knights are aiming for a deep run into state playoffs. 

“We’re all really passionate and all want to do really good this year,” senior Courtney Klein said. “Everyone has a good attitude coming into this season. Everyone’s really excited to play, and give all their effort.”

The players use volleyball as therapy, giving them a chance to forget everything going on off the court.  

“I could have a really terrible day, but as soon as I step on the volleyball court, I completely forget about how terrible your day was going,” said head coach Sandi Stein, who’s coached volleyball for 36 years. “I love the energy of the game, it’s really all about the angles. It’s anyone’s game out there, you can’t just stall out there like other sports. You have to be constantly aware.”

Lewis says the team chemistry is very important to their success. 

 “Our chemistry as a team is really hard to beat. We have so much potential when we play together, and this year we’re looking to come with that energy every game,” said Lewis. “Last year, we were successful because we enjoyed each other on and off the court, and we all had legitimate friendships together.”

Throughout the year, this team will continue to face good competition within their local region, facing off against Villa Rica, who went undefeated last year in region play.

“Chamblee, Villa Rica, Chapel Hill and Lambert are all really strong teams that we’ll face this year,” said Senior Margaret Kimbrough. “We need to keep a strong offense, always. We’ll need to really be dominant on the offensive side. We’re a pretty short team, so our biggest thing is going to have to stay aggressive.”

Klein appreciates the intraregional competition because of how it prepares the team for playoffs.  

“Non-region competition will definitely be more difficult, but it’ll help us improve during the season,” said Klein.

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done throughout the season, but the most important part is that they’re all enjoying the journey together.

“It’s so fun to play. When you’re on the court, everything moves so fast and you’re constantly engaged at a fast moving pace,” said Kimbrough. “When you get fired up after every single point, you freak out and celebrate those moments together.”