Thomassian is also a Spanish teacher at PVHS. She has coached one year of middle school and three years of high school for volleyball. She believes her team this season has a lot of potential, when they are on their game they can compete at the varsity level. According to Thomassian, a good way to start getting into volleyball, if you are interested, is going to open gym throughout summer break or even practicing at home. Grabbing a ball and bumping or setting against the wall doesn’t hurt. If you are having a hard time getting into volleyball, don’t ever give up. Determination and worth ethic will go a long way. 

PVHS offers an open gym all throughout summer break for volleyball players to practice and keep their skills on track. Or to anyone who really just wants to play volleyball. In order to try out, you must go to the few days they have conditioning. This also helps coaches see how good of a player you really are and who they really might want on the team. They usually have an open gym two or three times a week all summer long.

I got the chance to interview three of the players on the team to get their personal opinions and thoughts. Angelina Ybarra is an outside hitter and number one on the team. This is her first year of volleyball and a junior this school year. She believes her team is very supportive and always on it. She states, “game days can be stressful but they work as a team to win.” She always thought that volleyball was a fun sport so she decided to give it a shot. She went to the open gym every time she could throughout summer break and even practiced a little outside of her house. Keep going and push yourself to be great. 

Amaliah Mendoza is a setter and number six on the team. Mendoza is a sophomore this year. She doesn’t quite remember when she started playing volleyball but she didn’t have much to do until she got into the sport. Mendoza believes, “game days can be scary, nerve-racking and can put pressure on some of the players.” But, don’t ever compare yourself to other players or put too much pressure on yourself. The game is supposed to be fun and something you really enjoy doing.

Marayah Waller is a middle and number seven on the team. This is her second year playing and a sophomore this school year. Waller feels like they’re a good team when it comes to skills but mentally they need some work. According to Waller, “game days can be intimidating but they always work through it as a team.” She started playing in her 8th grade year. She just really wanted to be active and have something to do after school. Don’t compare yourself to other players around you and focus on your skills as an individual. 

Volleyball can have a big impact on these girls’ mentality but they don’t ever let it bring them down. We are very proud of how far these girls have come and we wish the volleyball team the best of luck this season!! Feel free to contact Coach Thomassian through her email at [email protected], or even talk to one of the players. Don’t ever give up on your dreams and keep up the hard work. All that hard work will pay off in the end!