The Fair Grove Middle School volleyball teams have been digging through the season and racking up wins. Some team members attribute the success to hard work and devoted team leaders.
Middle school volleyball players say they have been working together to motivate one another. “We all act like a family and support each other,” McKenna Zanzie (8) shared. This season the seventh and eighth grade volleyball players have been working towards achieving their personal and team goals.
Players have helped other teammates through the highs and lows of the season. Taylor Lumley (7) said, “This year we’ve really been able to work as a team. Even when we face adversity, we are able to keep working hard.”
Team coaches have seen some outstanding leaders on the Fair Grove Middle School volleyball teams rising to the challenge. Coach Katie Fender explained, “At Fair Grove, our captains have shown exceptional dedication, not only in their skills on the court but also in their ability to motivate and support their teammates. Their leadership has played a crucial role in keeping the team focused and positive during challenging moments.”
Fair Grove team members have noticed the impact of positive team leadership. Some of the 7th graders appreciate the support of their older teammates. Lumley stated, “We are also really lucky to have some great role models in 8th grade. It’s been awesome to hear them in the pep club at our games.”
The middle school volleyball teams have been bringing energy on and off the court. Zanzie recalled, “My favorite memory from middle school volleyball is when we were coming home from Marshfield, we screamed so loud you couldn’t even hear the music.”
Coach Fender stated throughout the season the team has dedicated time and effort into practices. Players have been working on defense which includes blocking, digging, and communication between players on the floor. Coach Fender added, “We believe that a strong foundation in these areas will give us a competitive edge when we face tough opponents and prepare the girls for high school volleyball.”
Both the seventh and eighth grade volleyball teams have had a successful season and acquired many wins. However, some players say there is more to the experience than just winning. “Of course, we would love to go undefeated, but the main thing to remember is if you’re not winning your learning. Each game we strive to learn something from it and be able to improve next time,” explained Lumley.
One of Coach Fender’s goals for the team this season was for the players to grow as a unit. Some of the Fair Grove Middle School volleyball players say that goal has been achieved because they have improved their volleyball skills and learned the importance of supporting each other.
At the end of their season, the eighth grade team finished with a record of 10-3 as well as placing third in their conference. Along with this, the seventh grade team finished with a record of 11-2 as well as finishing with the title of Conference Champions.
