Granby’s girls volleyball team made some impressive strides last season and proved how much the hard work has paid off. But its road to success hasn’t been an easy journey. Just this year, the team was led by a new coach, a situation the upperclassmen know all too well seeing as they have had a new coach every season for the past three years. Additionally, with last year’s seniors leaving the team, new teammates had to step up and take on the leadership role. 

We talked with a few seniors–Anna Olszowy, Chardan Bonheur, and team manager, Aidan Delpino–to get their take on how the team has performed this season, and how it’s changed over the past few years. All three agreed that since last year, the team dynamic has changed for the better. “Last year was a lot of forced, ‘You have to do this,’ … and this year it’s completely voluntary,” Bonheur commented. She went on to describe how this change has allowed the team to “come together” and that “it’s been a lot more fun” as a result. Delpino noticed a similar shift in the team dynamic, noting that last year, “seniors would specifically go off to partner with each other” and that “some things were being said behind people’s backs,” but that this year, the team has had “pretty good chemistry overall.” This improved cohesion is especially impressive when you consider that this year the team had to get used to a completely new coach. 

Bonheur and Olszowy were keen to mention their appreciation for their previous coach, Coach Butler, who has since gone to Maury to coach baseball, but they both agree that their new coach has been a welcome and appreciated addition to the team. “With the different coaches, it’s just been positive all the way around. I mean we loved Coach Butler, but this is a nice change,” Olszowy commented. 

The girls have had to adjust to new team captains, and while this is a common struggle for most sports teams, the volleyball team has approached this challenge in a unique way. While teams are only allowed one ”playing captain” on the court, Delpino comments that “all the seniors have taken on leadership roles.” Olszowy agreed, saying: “We’ve all been…closer this year anyway, so…we’re able to help bring up the underclassmen and be positive all the time,” which has certainly helped team morale. Bonheur commented that “it’s been a lot more fun” since the team got closer. 

We congratulate our girls volleyball team on its hard-fought season. The changes haven’t necessarily been easy for the players to adapt to, but they’ve certainly made a fantastic effort and have a successful season to show for it!