The Lancaster High School volleyball team had one of its best seasons this year. Senior Madison Kemp won Special Mention in the Ohio Capital Conference, Scholar Athlete OCC, and 2nd team Central District, Emma Wilfing won first team OCC, Honorable Mention Central district and Zoe Mitchell won Honorable Mention in the OCC.
LHS Varsity volleyball head coach Heather Ingram said that the team won all of their games that went into extra sets.
¨Going five can be stressful, but we held it together and got the win every time,” she said.
Eye of the Gale asked a few of the senior athletes about the highlights of their last season playing volleyball for LHS.
Zoe Mitchell said that the team dynamics and working with her fellow athletes contributed to a successful season.
“My senior athletic year was so much fun. I enjoyed every minute of spending time with my teammates whether that was in games, practice, or team dinners,” she said.
Madison Kemp agreed with Mitchell and said the connection between her teammates was fulfilling.
“My senior athletic year was the best one. I had the best teammates I have ever had; they were supportive, kind, and just good people to be around. All of these girls have created a bond that will last a lifetime,” she said.
Most athletic teams experience some challenges during their seasons.
For the volleyball team those challenges were both mental as well as physical.
“I would say dealing with sickness and injuries,¨ said Coach Ingram.
Mitchell stated the challenges she and the team faced were staying focused and not getting discouraged.
“The most challenging thing this season was everyone staying consistent and always having a positive mindset when playing,” she said.
“The biggest challenge for the team was ourselves. We did not have the best mindsets and we did not believe in our abilities,” said Kemp.
The senior players noted that despite the challenges, there are many more aspects of the last volleyball season of their high school careers that were meaningful to them.
“I will always remember the team dinners and winning the game to make it to districts. What I will miss the most is the atmosphere of volleyball a nd my teammates because they have become my best friends,” said Mitchell.
“There were ups and downs of course but the volleyball court was always a place I wanted to go and that is because I love the sport. I will miss the community the most. My coaches have created a positive program and my teammates only added to it. I will miss going to practice every day and messing around with my friends. I will also miss the competition, one of the best feelings is having a big win with my friends by my side,” said Kemp.
Coach Ingram, who is in her sixth year as head coach and 11th year with the program, said that although winning a championship is always a significant goal, student athletes acquire many other rewards.
¨Coaching is more than wins and losses for me. I want these young ladies to grow up to be great mothers, daughters, wives, and friends.”
