As the Weston girls volleyball team trains for the 2024 playoffs, there is excitement in the air as the regular season comes to a close. After winning the D3 State Championship last November, the team has shown great teamwork and strength, achieving a current record of 10-4..
“They’re a very experienced team. They won the championship last year and many of those girls returned this year,” said athletic director Mike McGrath.
In the past four years since coach Eileen LeBlanc took over as head coach, the girls volleyball team has surged in popularity and success. Feeding into the high school team is the middle school program that has influenced interested athletes to play at the high school level. The middle school currently has over 40 kids involved, all with great drive and eagerness to play in the future.
“These young kids are starting to really love the game and are going off and playing club leagues and improving,”said McGrath.
In addition to their strong record, the team is also ranked number one in their division and hope to win the championship again.
“[The team has] come a long way in a short time, and our returning players have so much experience it’s very impressive,” McGrath said.
This year, the team’s performance reflects their hard work and commitment. They have managed to maintain a competitive edge, overcoming challenging games.
“I think our record of 10-4 shows how far we’ve come this season,” said captain and senior Fielding Mayhugh.
While on the court they show great connection with one another, it is the things they do off the court that have also contributed to their great accomplishments.
“We have team lunches and sleepovers which helps build trust with each other on the court,” sophomore Ainsley Fachner said. “The more you know someone, the more you can rely on them in the game.”
Another important ritual they have to keep spirits high are the daily inspirational quotes of Coach LeBlanc before each practice.
“She bases the quotes off of how we are playing at the time, like if we aren’t working as a team she will put a quote about teamwork,” said Fachner. “I think the quotes are very inspirational and really motivate me throughout practice.”
As the team looks ahead to playoffs in early November, players and fans are feeling very optimistic.
“Going into the playoffs this year feels very similar to last year,” Mayhugh said. “We have a great mix of energy and talent. We just need to take it one game at a time.”
As they get ready to face their next opponents, they continue building on their success and working towards another championship title.
“You have to give it everything you have, every opportunity, every time you get out there,” said McGrath. “You have to give it everything because you don’t know if it’s going to end that day or keep going.”
