Varsity:

Boys volleyball is back at it, once again projected to go far in their season. Already at 20 wins at the time this is written, they’ve managed to maintain a name for themselves.

After losing six seniors at the end of last season, many assumed that the team would have a hard time keeping their excellence. However, boys volleyball has had no problem working past that.

“I think there’s been a lot of guys that have been waiting for their turn, so it hasn’t been that big of a transition.” said Troy Dueling, head coach.

In comparison to their previous season, the team has done nothing but grow. Their connections have flourished, along with their skills.

“We’re even more together as a team compared to last year. Last year we were great, but this year we definitely all love each other and that helps our team dynamic,” said Hayden Williams, senior.

This team dynamic comes from both playing together, and hanging out outside of practice.

“Since off the court we get along, on the court we all work well together,” Williams said.

Overall, the team’s compatibility is a driving factor to accomplishing their goal this season.

“I’m confident that we can make a big run in the playoffs, and all of our goals are winning the state championship,” Williams said.

Luckily, OHS is the team to be on in order to make that desire happen.

“I joined this team because I knew this was a winning program and I love winning- I hate losing- so it’s always been a thing for me to be on the best program that I could be on,” said Diego Garcia, senior.

Throughout the season, the team has suffered some unusual losses, but they won’t let that hold them back.

“I think it’s been a good season so far, we’ve had some ups and some downs, but overall I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Dueling said.

However, that struggle is just part of playing, and after a loss is when teams learn what to work on.

“We just have to make sure we stay disciplined, especially against lower level teams,” Williams said.

Luckily, the biggest challenge that this team faces comes from within, while trying to choose between everyone for a lineup that will win.

“[The biggest struggle of our season is] trying to find a lineup that is going to be consistent. We’ve run a couple different things just looking for who’s going to be productive in certain moments,” Dueling said.

But if issues like that are the team’s largest struggle, they’re doing something right. Players know that if they put forth the effort that the coach is looking for, it will be no problem.

“I feel like we’re getting a lot better as a team, and I’m definitely excited for the playoff run,” Williams said.

A driving factor to the team’s success is the amount of time multiple players have spent together as members of the OHS team. With eight seniors this year, the team has seen these connections grow a lot over the course of their high school careers.

“I’ve known these guys for quite some time, and being able to play with them for my last year is great,” Williams said.

Along with that comes the role of welcoming the players who are new to the team.

“Being a senior on the team, it’s definitely a leadership role where you have to be there for the younger kids and show them what this sport is all about- make them have the love for it like I do,” Garcia said.

It’s the little things like this that make the team a family, and help them to create a successful season.

“I love every single one of those guys on the court and I know I could always go and talk to them. It’s always been a blessing to be on the team,” Garcia said.

JV:
As another season of volleyball goes by at OHS, there is once again a new boys JV team. Over the years, JV has been known to change very frequently, with players often staying on for only one or two seasons.

This season, freshman dominate the team, with there only being three sophomores and one junior. However, those with more experience have no problem welcoming everyone to the team.

“We’re all pretty close, even with the new kids we’ve all formed a close relationship with each other,” said Gunner Mullins, sophomore.

These new relationships mean new opportunities for the players to bond, and they are doing a good job making sure that the team is able to run smoothly.

“We’re doing as much as possible to ensure that we have really good communication,” said Matteo Duran, freshman.

The team has done a great job of hitting it off, and while they’ve had many big wins, they also make sure to stay humble.

“Just because we’re O’Connor doesn’t mean we’re going to automatically be the best out of everyone, so we definitely have to work for it no matter what team we play,” Duran said.

Working hard doesn’t apply to players just physically, but mentally too.

““The mental part of the game is the hardest. Especially as a setter, you gotta keep your team in check and really run the court,” said Parker Henderson, freshman.

The team does well maintaining their composure in the harder moments, and they have routines to ensure that they stay calm.

“I try to take deep breaths to just talk my team through the game when it gets hard, and just go play by play,” Henderson said.

Routines like this are the reason why JV is such an aggressive team to be on, and players join because of their reputation.

“I always wanted to join the school team because of their competitiveness and drive to win,” Mullins said.

With all the tools that this team has, they hope to be unstoppable.

“We all have our goal in mind, and we all want to go out and win every single game. We just keep pushing to make that happen,” Henderson said.