The Gryphon Gazette

By: Lauryn F. ‘26

This fall season, Crystal’s Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team has been working incredibly hard, already putting themselves 7-0 in the West Bay Athletic League and 18-2. After taking down many challenging opponents such as Castilleja, Design Tech, and Harker, the team is looking to continue its winning streak, with many games coming up. The team is made up of students from all grade levels, including Freshmen. This past week, we asked 6 members of the team, Alexa T. ’24, Ellie L. ‘27, Petra H. ‘26, Hannah M. ‘25, Angelica E. ‘24, and Maile B. ‘24, questions regarding the team and their favorite moments. 

Q. What is your favorite part of playing volleyball at Crystal?

After receiving responses from the players, it is clear that “the team itself just feels so much like a family,” said Angelica. Also, many of the players mentioned that spending time with their teammates was definitely a highlight; in fact, Maile stated “I’ve never felt more connected with a team than at this program.” Even the underclassmen, including Ellie and Petra, also agree with this sense of community stating that “it is genuinely just a super fun environment,” (Petra). Just to add to that idea of family, Angelica sums it all up by saying, “We fight for each other, are there for each other, and look out for each other on and off the court, which I feel sets girl’s volleyball apart from all the other programs.”

Q. One adjective that describes you?

Loyal, supportive, loud, energetic, enthusiastic, and focused were the terms mentioned by our volleyball players. Ellie stated, “Because the sport is so energizing, you can get distracted or carried away, so it is important to maintain a good mindset,” which is a crucial idea for any sport. 

Q. What is your favorite Taylor Swift song?

Ranging from Reputation to Lover, “Getaway Car”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”, “Champagne Problems”, “Delicate”, “Mr. Perfectly Fine”, and “All Of The Girls You’ve Loved Before” were the favorite Taylor Swift songs for some of Crystal’s volleyball players. 

Q. What is your favorite pre-game snack?

Four of the six players said that Spam Musubi was their favorite pre-game snack. Other answers consisted of chicken tenders, grapes, Jamba Juice, Alani nu, oranges, Starbird chicken, and watermelon.

Q. Who was your favorite school that you’ve beaten?

Answers to this question were almost completely unanimous. While two players mentioned beating Castilleja during Homecoming, the others said that beating Harker for the last two years was their favorite victory; “Hands Down,” said Angelica. Ellie said, “There was a lot of energy and positivity [during the game],” which only helped bring up the team and make the win that much more rewarding. Last year, Crystal took Castilleja to five sets, meaning  “in front of their whole school” (Angelica E ‘24) and this year they beat them again, but in 3 sets.

Q. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Friends and family clearly play key roles in Crystal’s volleyball culture as every player interviewed either a family member or their friend. Many of the players said that their biggest role models are “driven in what they do, they don’t give up easily, and they make smart decisions,” said Ellie.

Q. What is your least favorite school to play at? Why?

As for least favorite schools to play at, three out of six people (all being seniors) said that Kings Academy was their least favorite as it’s too “dark and dusty.” Other answers included Harker, Woodside Priory, and Eastside Prep, being that they are “too far away.” 

Q. What is your favorite volleyball cheer?

In general, Crystal Volleyball is extremely big on their cheers and always gives each one 110%! Here are some of our players’ favorite cheers: 

Alexa T. ‘24: Ace; a cheer that gets everyone up on their feet!

Maile B. ’24: “When someone gets a kill and we all yell OOOOH and the ‘she’s a freshman cheer’”

Angelica E. ‘24: “TO THE WINDOWS, TO THE WALL, WE SAW YOU SHANK THAT BALL, EVERYBODY SAW!” 

Hannah M. ‘25: “SHES A FRESHMAN ”

Petra H. ‘26: “How tall is the net? Too tall!”

Ellie L. ‘27: “What time is it? Tool time!”

After taking a closer look at these members of the volleyball team, it’s obvious that the team has a lot of energy and is extremely supportive of each other. While the season is still going on, the team is looking very good as they remain undefeated in WBAL. From Taylor Swift songs to Volleyball cheers, this team is full of amazing people with incredible chemistry, which makes them family.