Volleyball Update

We ended up 3rd in the West conference. Which is pretty good considering the West has the two best teams (the only two teams that actually play pass, set, hit). So we're right behind the big leaguers. The city playoffs begin next Thursday so that gives us a couple more days of good practice. I'm still bound and determined to play the game pass, set, hit. So we have a lot to work on in our practices.

I'm so proud of our girls. Excluding the fight. One of them celebrated her birthday yesterday and they ran all around the school looking for me during lunch, they wanted me to come to the cafeteria and celebrate with them. She had a cake and hats. It was so fun to be with them. I guess I ate the cake so fast one of my male students asked if I'd had lunch. I just laughed at him. That's how I learned growing up with three brothers.

A couple weeks ago my assistant and I brought the girls out to Virginia to play some sand volleyball and eat dinner at my house. I remember having team dinners (hosted by the seniors) when I was in high school and I just wanted them to experience that. It was a couple days after we had a HUGE victory over last years championship team. I was so proud of them. They worked so hard for their win and it really proved to them they can beat anyone. Especially if we play pass, set, hit!I know I shouldn't have favorites, but I'm pretty sure Cassie (the girl with the red vest) is mine. I just love her so much. She is our little cheerleader. She keeps the team up during all the games, win, lose, or draw. She's never spoke a negative word and she always tries her hardest (unlike her best friend Lydia - who could be our star player if she'd just try to be). Ashley, the girl in green, is our manager. She keeps the books and does a great job at it.

These are the girls who are inseparable at school. I know I've said it before, but they really are the best students at the school. Kristal is ranked 3rd in her class. The rest are all in the top 20%. The only thing they are lacking is confidence. Kristal is our best passer and a great server (not so hot on the front row) but every time I go to put her in the game she practically freaks out. She'll actually say, "No Szilagyi. They are doing so good." It shocks me.

This is a good photo of all 10 of them. I've had about 15 all together but grades and attitudes have kept some of them away. So these are the 10 I'm going to the tournament with. Niya, the one in front, didn't join the team until about our 2nd to last game. She came up to me at a pep assembly and asked if it was too late to play volleyball. To which I asked her what grade she was in. When she said 10th, I told her it wasn't too late. Cause quiet frankly 8 of my players are Seniors and I have to think about next years team. But I'm really glad she joined us. She is so fun and sweet. And I know that by her senior year she will be an awesome player. Especially if she goes to the summer camps I have lined up (another one of my favorite memories of high school sports that they just don't have out here).

I've loved coaching and for the first time in my life I've actually dreamed about Volleyball. I still don't love it as much as Basketball, but it is a really fun sport. Even more fun to coach than play. So wish us luck in the city tournament.