The volleyball girls get ready and talk before the game is about to start again. (Source: Alana Shields)
Volleyball is a team sport where the goal is to hit the ball over a net and land in the opponent’s half of the court. Each team usually consists of six players who work together to keep the ball in play through passing, spiking, and setting. The game requires quick reactions, precision, and good teamwork.
Senior Alana Shields, who has played volleyball since she was 7 years old, described the sport and said, “Volleyball is a team sport with six people on one side, where we try to keep the ball off the floor and get points on the other side.” She adds that unpredictability is an important part of the game: “We never know what’s going to happen, so we have to be on our toes the entire time.”
For many, volleyball is more than just a sport. Shields says that she started playing volleyball because the sport was a part of her family. “My mom played volleyball, and a lot of my other family also played volleyball as well. It has always been a big part of my life,” she said. She also highlights the social environment as an important reason to continue, “All of my friends play this sport and it really brings good friendships, so definitely do it even if you’re nervous.”
Bela Leite, who is an exchange student from Brazil, shares the same joy of the volleyball community. She started playing because MBHS offered the sport. “It’s a really fun sport and you meet new people. I love everybody I play with,” said Leite. But the sport can also present challenges. Leite says that her competitive instinct has sometimes been difficult to deal with. “I’m really competitive, and whenever I lost a match, I would get really upset, but I’m better now,” said Leite.
She is really looking forward to more games this season, especially away games, “I’m looking forward to having more games and especially away games because then we can travel together, and it’s really fun.” said Leite.
Shields and Leite highlight the environment as one of the greatest strengths of volleyball. Team spirit, cooperation, and positive community make the sport attractive to both beginners and experienced players. Volleyball offers fast-paced games, high energy, and a strong social community that makes the sport so unique.