As this season comes to an end, the APK Volleyball team continues to rise above all expectations. With an overall record of 15-2 so far, our team’s preparation did not go to waste.
Be sure to come out and support them for an exciting game with Horizon at home today!
Tuesday, April 2, was the first game of the season, and they won the match with Ocoee with a score of 3-1. The Apopka Volleyball team continued to have a strong games from that point forward until they recently had a few setbacks but got back on their feet now with a streak of 11 games. Currently ranked 2nd in 1A D7 District, the end of the season looks promising.
The Blue and White interviewed multiple players for their personal opinions on the team’s performance including Coach Reyes.
Senior Devon Bolling, who’s been playing varsity volleyball for 4 years and is one of the team’s top performers, spoke of the chemistry and teamwork he felt made a positive difference in this team compared to others. He went on to say, “The sport requires a lot of teamwork/chemistry having to always rely on one another to do the job at hand, eventually learning selflessness and perseverance through the pain/training. Most importantly “SPIKING” is what brings energy and intimidation to the sport. This season I would say we have the best chance at going to states through my four years of playing varsity volleyball. The amount of chemistry and memories that have gone into the team we have now is something I couldn’t appreciate more to put to the test.”To be the best player he can be it takes a lot of discipline and motivation. Devon goes on to explain how, “Practice, Practice, Practice! The amount of skills, techniques, anddrills we do time after time eventually turns into muscle memory thus performing without even having to think about it. As well as eating healthy and getting a hefty stretch in 10-20 minutes before playing. When asked about the atmosphere of the games, he said, “[There is] high energy and good vibes throughout the whole day.”
The subject of chemistry comes up often with Sophomore Caden McGatha, he has a
special bond with his teammates that he cherishes greatly. “I mean they’re important to me. I think they care about me, and I care about them,” he expressed. Teamwork and bonds are very important when it comes to working together as a team.
Coach Reyes said he has high hopes about this season, “They are looking good they probably will end up being qualified for the West Conference. They might be ranked first.” They still have some games to come before the West Conference. They have a game this Tuesday (4/16) against Winter Park (at Winter Park). Mr Reyes genuinely loves the sport although volleyball was not his first love. He values the connection that he has made with the kids and watching them grow as athletes. He said, “There’s kids that I didn’t like. I still got them for the team because I saw something that I needed in the team. But it’s really nice when I can reach them. And there are different connections that we grow with and then we become better. We become attached to each other.” Our volleyball team worked hard to be who they are today so if you can, go out and support our Darters!
