As the Westmont Girls Volleyball season begins, many students anticipate the success of the new team. Last year, captains Kianna Liggs and Audrey Jones led the troupe to a CCS appearance, a feat accomplished by few sports teams at the school. This year, seniors Helen Ho, Sabella Mendriski, Sahasara Kolakaleti, and Zeena Makhemreh shared their insight and thoughts on this year’s team.
How long have you been playing Westmont Volleyball?
Agatha Kogan: This is my fourth year playing Westmont Volleyball.
Helen Ho: Four years.
Sabella Mendriski: Four years.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Four years.
Zeena Makhemreh: Four years.
What makes Westmont Volleyball fun and/or exciting?
Agatha Kogan: I love getting the opportunity to play the sport I love every day with some of my closest friends, and getting to build new connections with people is always exciting!
Helen Ho: Volleyball is just a fun sport.
Sabella Mendriski: The quickness of the sport and putting up big blocks.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Having fun with my team.
Zeena Makhemreh: The friends you meet and the strategic plays we make as a team.
How do you see this year’s season unfolding?
Agatha Kogan: I predict a strong season for Westmont Volleyball. Our frosh and JV teams have been killing it in preseason and league games, and I think varsity has a strong chance of making it to CCS for the third year in a row!
Helen Ho: Hopefully good.
Sabella Mendriski: I can only hope it goes well.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: We won against Leigh and Branham, so I think this season’s going to be good.
Zeena Makhemreh: I see us doing very well this season. We have great chemistry and know what works best for our team.
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Agatha Kogan: I’m looking forward to each and every league game we have coming up. I can’t wait to watch back our film and find the best (and funniest) moments from our season.
Helen Ho: Senior night.
Sabella Mendriski: New tournament locations!
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Senior night.
Zeena Makhemreh: I am looking forward to senior night!!
What is the best part about Westmont Volleyball?
Agatha Kogan: My favorite part about Westmont Volleyball would have to be our practices. It always feels great to step into the gym after a long school day and unwind with the sport I love.
Helen Ho: Friends.
Sabella Mendriski: It’s exhilarating, and most of my teammates are the sweetest people.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Hanging out with the team.
Zeena Makhemreh: The positive social environment and community.
Why should others join Westmont Volleyball?
Agath Kogan: I’ve always found volleyball to be a great avenue into making new friends. Some of my closest friends have come from Westmont Volleyball, and I’d love for others to get that opportunity!
Helen Ho: Because volleyball is fun.
Sabella Mendriski: It’s a great place to make friends!
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Because the community is really encouraging and uplifting.
Zeena Makhemreh: It is so much fun!! It is also competitive, so you may have a hidden talent!
What does this year’s team’s chemistry look like?
Agatha Kogan: We’ve always been a very closely-knit team, and this year varsity consists of all upperclassmen with the exception of one freshman (shoutout Maddie!!). We have incredible chemistry on the court, especially with our defense, and our setters make great connections with the hitters. Off the court, we spend most of our time talking about our games, classes, and food.
Helen Ho: Looking good with the new rotation.
Sabella Mendriski: We’re working on fixing a few things, but it’s better than it’s been in the past.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: Really good!!!!
Zeena Makhemreh: Amazing! We are all great at communicating and understanding how we can succeed.
How do your teammates help you succeed in this sport?
Agatha Kogan: As a captain, I rely on my teammates to give me feedback about our games and practices so I can accurately relay the team’s needs to our coach. On the court, I know I can always trust my teammates to communicate, stay hype, and hustle for every ball!
Helen Ho: By being positive.
Sabella Mendriski: They help me adjust things the coach doesn’t notice.
Sahasara Kolakaleti: I celebrate good points with them.
Zeena Makhemreh: We always have each other’s backs and make sure everyone stays optimistic. We are all playing this sport for a reason, so we have to go all out!