Already having played five games, the varsity volleyball team is pumped and ready to start off the season with great attitude and effort.

With a new coach to work with and new girls coming in, they have work to do. Sept. 17 and Oct. 17 are the varsity’s next two home games.

Matt Sonnichsen is the new head varsity volleyball coach at Blue Valley Southwest. He played professional men’s volleyball in Europe and has coached at a few colleges.

“I like the new coach,” varsity player Lexi Penichet said. “He pushes us to our limits and works us hard, and we need that.”

The under classmen also think he is very professional and has a lot of experience to try to make a winning team.

One of his major goals, and what all teams hope to accomplish, is to go the state championship but that will take dedication. Also, it takes time and physical preparation.

Conditioning and more conditioning. The varsity players have to endure a different workout each day, whether it is running, crunches, or burpees. Most girls though, look forward to it, knowing it will help them in the long run

“We’ve worked as hard as we can to do our best,” Penichet said.

Varsity does a lot of drills to help with fundamentals as well. Fundamentals, for varsity, are the key to go from a good team to great team. These fundamentals include communication, passing, setting, hitting, diving, serving, etc.

“They are so competitive and get better with each match,” Athletic Director Gary Howard said. “They are all learning the process and playing the best to their abilities.

Throughout the teams hard work and commitment in its practices, they are impressing the Junior Varsity, Sophomore, Freshman ‘A’ and ‘B’.

“Their good technique and how hard they hit the ball is amazing,” freshman ‘A’ player Alexa Kathol said. “They are so nice and look out for us that are younger and try to help us when they can.”

Howard said volleyball is one of the most exciting sports they have. From the fans, to the players playing the sport. For Penichet her favorite part of the season is when they have home games; the crowd is crazy and ecstatic.

Over all, the girls are ready to play. These girls have a lot of heart and are willing to put in the effort to get to their goals. They are ready for the season to get going and are preparing and anxious for their next game.

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