Like all other sports teams at AIS this year, the junior varsity girls’ volleyball team ended their season early, but they had a great result to show for their work: they won their only match in straight sets, beating the team from Danube International School.
Like all other sports teams at AIS this year, the junior varsity girls’ volleyball team ended their season early, but they had a great result to show for their work: they won their only match in straight sets, beating the team from Danube International School. Knowing this might be their only chance to play, the players put everything they had worked on to good use, making it a match to be proud of. There were epic service aces and remarkable hustle from the Knights, which all added up to an exhilarating win for them.
Technically undefeated this season, some members of the team had their last (but unofficial) practice on Halloween night, when they received the news that school would be closing and all students would switch to distance learning. Although they were initially shocked and wondered how they could continue to explore their passion for volleyball, they adjusted to the change well and made good use of their coach’s suggested workouts, some players even designing workouts of their own to stay in shape and be ready for next season. They also took some time to look back on the season, their amazing improvements, and the bonds they strengthened with their teammates.
“We have all grown so much since the beginning of the season. It has been such a pleasure playing with you,” said the team’s sophomore captain, Monet Haghnazarian. “Yeah, go Knights! This was a really awesome season and I’m so grateful I got to play on a team with all of you! You’re all awesome volleyball players and awesome teammates, and if we ever have the chance, I’d love to play with you again. We’ve all improved so much since the beginning of the season and we’re all a lot stronger as players and as people now that the season’s over,” added one of the freshman outside hitters, Anna Pruess. Two of the middle blockers, freshman Estelle (Stella) Nuutinen and sophomore Chiara Knothe, said, “It was so much fun playing with you girls! Hopefully next year is better!” and “Thanks to everyone who has made this season special and enjoyable, even with corona!”
All the members of the volleyball team have exhibited strength, passion, and resilience over the course of the season and their time in distance learning, not letting any restrictions or lockdowns get in the way of their love for volleyball and their bonds with their teammates. They all keep hope shining brightly in their hearts for the next season, hoping to step back on their beloved court as soon as the next season rolls around, and, hopefully, spend more time on it than they did this season. They will forever treasure the memories of breathtaking victory, sugar-sweet homemade cupcakes and cookies, and unified team cheers. In the words of their head coach, Dr. Ottilia Hollanda, “I can recall the laughter, the joy, the frustration, and many funny moments of our season together… There was more than just winning the game. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope I will see you during other seasons and back again next year for volleyball. Take care, stay active, and go Knights!”
The Knights Chronicle 