Dedication in varsity volleyball
Dedication is a wholly devotion and a commitment. Varsity volleyball players takes this act seriously in this sport and push themselves to their limits.
Brandi Huesman, a varsity outside hitter and defensive player, has been playing this sport since 6th grade and knows the type of commitment that is needed.
“At first I played soccer but soon quit because it was too difficult and was too much running for me,” Huesman said. “At the time, volleyball looked easy, so I chose it. It’s not anywhere near as easy as it looks.”
“This sport takes a lot of dedication,” varsity player Jessica Pollitt said. “We practice everyday and work hard during those two hours.”
Varsity practices from 9 to 10 hours [in the 5 or 6 days they practice] per week, not including tournaments or games. They have tournaments on many weekends and have a game almost
Sonnichsen, the varsity volleyball head coach, has been coaching college for many years. Practicing longer is a major growth for the varsity team.
“Comparing college girls to high school players, we don’t work at all,” coach Sonnichsen said. “I don’t mean that in a bad way, it is a whole different world in college athletics, they’re on campus year round. The intensity level is so much more than the high school and students go into it blindly.”
Varsity isn’t just about the physical ability though, it is also mental ability.
“The main focus we have right now is how to compete at the varsity level,” Sonnichsen said. “We also have the physical and mental focus of the varsity level.”
Varsity volleyball holds a lot of responsibility also. From making to the practice, to getting the right grades.
“It’s pretty hard at first to juggle school and volleyball because if you are failing a class, then you can’t play,” Huesman said. “This motivates me to keep my grades up.”
Even with a busy schedule, Brandi Huesman still manages to keep her spirit up.
“Brandi is definitely a team player,” Pollitt said. “She always has a lot of energy and contributes to the team.”
For this sport, good attitude and lots of energy is the main skill you have to have. Wanting to work hard and the ability to be a team player is essential.
“The attitude of the players have been very good,” Sonnichsen said. “I haven’t seen any ‘stink eye’ and I haven’t seen anyone mad of each other, and everyone is very cohesive.”
Varsity volleyball has quite a few seniors on the team. It is their last volleyball season at Southwest and it is very emotional.
“It’s more emotional for the seniors because we have played here since freshman year and its going to be hard to leave,” Huesman said. “I am excited to graduate, but I will miss high school. College will take even more dedication and commitment.”
With seniors going out, that means that lower classmen are coming in. Though, some of them aren’t ready.
“Younger players just have to get older,” Sonnichsen said. “Physically and mentally they aren’t mature enough to compete against seniors who have been in the program longer.They just need to develop their skill sets and the small things.”
Even with the lack of experience, the future for varsity volleyball is on good hands.
“I think the future for varsity is good one,” Pollitt said. “For the 4 years I have been here, each year has gotten better.”
Even when Brani Huesman is off to college she will be coming back to watch her old team compete.
“In the future, I am excited to come back and watch our team go to state and watch my sister [Heather Huesman, JV] go to varsity.”
Sonnichsen is excited for the future as well.
“I want to see us grow into the best team in our conference and then the best team in the region,” Sonnichsen said.
[slideshow: id=106]
