Setting up for success by Syenna Mayo With an interview from PJH setter, Natalie Castagna The 7th (and 6th) Grade Parker Girls volleyball team is having one of the best seasons they’ve had, especially since the last season was canceled due to remote learning and COVID-19 protocols. Even now, several games and practices were canceled due to the bus driver shortage and in-person school shutdowns. Not to mention the killer snowstorm we had in early February. WIth one of the best teams Parker has seen in years, they hope to pull out on top. Their team is coached by Mr. Volkman. How do you encourage your teammates after a loss? NC: If we lose the first set in a game, I tell them that we have two more sets that we can still come back with. You really just have to shake off the negative attitude that “if we lost the first, we will probably lose the rest,” because it’s not true. I’ve noticed that with our team a lot and I think we just need to get in the right mindset that we still can win a game after a loss of a set. What are some important things to look for in a volleyball player? NC: There are things you should look for like passing and serving ability, but you should really look for a positive attitude and good sportsmanship from the player. I believe a bad attitude can really throw off the way someone does something. If a player can encourage other players, or can tell them that a loss of a point is ok, that is very important in my opinion. What hobbies do you have? NC: I’m currently in PJH theater and percussion in (PJH) band. I enjoy singing and songwriting in my free time and play guitar, ukulele, and piano. Who is your favorite athlete? NC: My favorite athlete is Jordyn Poulter. She is a setter just like me and went to the University of Illinois and played on their volleyball team from 2015-to 2018. She is now on the USA volleyball team and recently won gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. How has your coach helped you this season? Our coach is very supportive of all of us and helps us correct our mistakes when needed. During practices, I can feel us as a team getting better every day and it really couldn’t happen without him. Thank you, Mr. Volkman!
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