The Gryphon Gazette

By Gaby T. ‘25

This season has definitely been more different from any I’ve played at Crystal before. For one, our team is currently undefeated in the league, with a record of 18-2! Our team has bonded, grown, and thrived, and it has helped us become successful. Instead of just talking about the season from my perspective and my role on the team, I want to highlight the different age groups of our players and what they bring to the table. 

Thankfully, we have many skilled underclassmen on Varsity. They easily assimilated into our team culture and jumped headfirst into our traditions, like dressing up on game days (shoutout to Camille A. ‘26 for delivering on Adam Sandler day) and our fun cheers, without any complaints. Their talent and determination to improve themselves are huge assets to our team, and we could not be where we are without them. One freshman, Ellie L. ‘27, told us, “Joining the team was one of the most welcoming things I have ever experienced. The coaches were super comforting and knew how to push me and support me at the same time. I love how much knowledge the team has and how we’re not afraid to help and talk to other teammates. The energy and connection between our players was almost immediate, and it felt like I had been playing with these people our whole lives.” 

Next, I want to talk about the juniors. For me, being a junior has been all about learning how to be a leader. Taking on a new upperclassman role, we all know how much the underclassmen look up to us, and we have all been working on being good role models and exemplifying how to be great teammates and varsity players. Junior Bianca S. said, “The environment created by the coaches is supportive and challenging, and it’s great to see everyone on the team grow more confident in themselves and their positions. With this being my junior year, I’ve noticed that I have had the opportunity to step into a leadership role, helping my teammates coordinate with each other to continue fostering our potential. Everyone brings their own skills onto the court, and our team’s ability to play as one unit, keeping the front and back rows cohesive and maintaining a fluid playing style has made us even better.”

Finally, without our three seniors, Alexa T., Angelica E., and Maile B., our team could not have connected as well as it did. They have been incredible leaders, guiding us in inspiring pep talks where they continue to encourage our progression, boosting our overall energy and morale. We can always count on them to communicate on the court and bring helpful focus whenever we need it. Their love for the game pushes everyone else to work just as hard as them and have fun fighting for every game. In an interview, Angelica E’ 24 said, “Out of all my years playing volleyball at Crystal, this season has to be my favorite. And I’m not just saying that because it’s my senior season, but I’m saying it because I got to see every single person’s personal growth, not only physically but mentally. I’m proud of how the season itself has gone so far, given that we made our name last year and are now defending it this year. I know we’re going to kill it at CCS.”

I could not be prouder of how the season has gone so far, and I can’t wait to see how our last two weeks go. We have had so much fun together, and I am going to miss it so much when it is all over. Don’t forget to come to Senior Night on October 17 at 6:30 and stay to watch varsity for our big game against Harker; it will be one to watch!