GRC’s volleyball team had an impressive season this year, finishing with a 22–10 record and advancing all the way to the region championship game. Though the final score ended in a 3–1 loss, this feat marked the farthest the program has ever gone, an achievement well worth celebrating.

Senior Serenity Elman played a fantastic season this year, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The team had to work hard to reach this point with some bumps in the road. 

“One of the biggest challenges was staying confident when things weren’t going our way,” said Elman “There were times we struggled with energy or consistency, but we learned to lean on each other, communicate better, and just keep fighting through every point.”

Sophomore Anna Cooper, who has been playing varsity since she was a freshman, is a huge asset to the team even at such a young age. 

“Being a sophomore and having such a big role on the team meant a lot to me,” said Cooper. “[It] meant that I had a big leadership role on the team, and I had to help guide through the season.”

As Serenity prepares to graduate, she has advice to give to the younger players who will carry on the program in the following years. 

“Never take a single practice or game for granted, and always play for each other,” said Elman. “The best teams aren’t just the most talented, they’re the ones that trust each other and stay positive no matter what.”

This season’s success has proven to the team that they can do it and will fuel the team’s determination to come back even stronger next year. 

“I think that this experience has motivated us for next year, it’s going to give us an upper hand on the other teams,” said Cooper. “I know for sure that next year we are going to come out strong!”

While the season didn’t turn out the way the team planned, they had an amazing season which should be celebrated. 

“I’m proud of our heart and how we never gave up,” said Elman. “We kept pushing all the way to the end, and that showed the kind of team we are. One that fights for every point and supports each other through everything.”