Five years ago, I was pressured by my grandparents and parents to try out for the volleyball team at my current school. Unsure of my position on the team and embarrassed of my skills, I placed the bare minimum of effort into my JV team, not caring if we won or lost. Five years later, a senior on the Montrose Varsity Volleyball team, I look back with gratitude for that push that initiated my love and passion for volleyball, and most importantly, my love for my teammates.
Our team started the 2024 season with confidence from our Independent Girls Conference win the previous year. The last season was hard-fought and the win was well deserved. We wanted to win again. Over the summer, everyone’s skill level had only increased, resulting in a new trust in each other and our team.
Our first game against the Marie Philip School for the Deaf was smooth and quick, our team winning 3 – 0. Our next match, however, was unexpected. We played Chapel-Hill Chauncy Hall (CHCH) at homecoming, demolishing them 3 – 0. This was a surprise. CHCH had been a competitive team in the previous years, winning the IGC a mere two years ago, yet here we were, acing every serve, gaining every point. Witnessing the apparent decline of one of the previous top teams in IGC led us to believe that other teams had also declined. We were wrong. Roles for other teams had pretty much reversed, with some of our former “easy” competitors like Landmark and Gann becoming some of our main competitors. Games against these schools were incredibly close, contrary to previous years, with games reaching up to 5 sets and up to two and a half hours long.
With the new apparent challenges facing our team, many players stepped up in their current or new positions on the court: our setters and right-side hitters, confidently running the court and keeping everyone organized. This group consisted of Erin Kampersal ‘25, Nola Guthrie ‘26, Ava Raad ‘26, and Tess Kurina ‘26. The setters especially stepped up this season when senior captain and starting setter Erin Kampersal ‘25 was taken out due to unforeseen circumstances. The younger setters stepped up to fill the gap that Erin left in her absence. A couple of weeks later, Erin returned ready for the possibility of NEPSAC as if nothing had changed. Our outsides, helping out on the court as both hitters and passers, consisted of Elise Thompson ‘25, Ceci Cahil-Farella ‘25, Lorena Ortiz ‘26, Clare Higgins ‘27, Lyla McCarthy ‘27 and Leah Vaz ‘27. The outsides had many changes this season, from senior captain Elise Thompson ‘25 injuring her thumb multiple times, to Clare Higgins ‘27, a former middle, stepping up and completely changing positions to outside. Our middles, taking charge of front-row attacks and blocks, consisted of Anna Kocho ‘27, Mary Bogart ‘26, and I. The middles improved in both hitting and blocking this season. They worked on aiming hits and tips, blocking coordination, and dropping back for defense when necessary. Our libero, Mia Cahil-Farella ‘27, took charge of back-row passing and receiving, as well as developing her skills in back-row hits and serving. Every member of the team worked together on both communication and serving. Our team’s serving became a powerful force; many team members can aim when serving, effectively throwing off other teams.
Through our hard work and dedication, our team made it to the IGC finals, where we played Covenant Christian Academy (CCA), an undefeated team in 4 close games, unfortunately resulting in a 3-1 loss. Our team finished the season with 10 wins and 5 losses, placing 2nd in the league. The varsity volleyball team has improved in many ways, effectively improving our technical skills, communication skills, and mental game. The coach for Cambridge School of Weston (CSW) complimented our team on our calm, yet aggressive, playing, saying that we were the calmest team CSW had played. Throughout all of the ups and downs of the season, throughout all of the wins and losses, throughout all of the good and bad referee calls, the Montrose Varsity Volleyball team beat all odds, improving perhaps more than we ever have, and posing a real threat to opposing teams. I am forever grateful for my time on this team, and for any of my teammates reading this article: I love you all so much, you better absolutely crush CCA next year!
Gabriella Bogart ‘25, Contributing Writer
