By: Jacob Octavio Diamante
The popularity of volleyball has been spreading globally, inspiring young children to full-grown grandparents.
The recent rise has even made some Thurgood Marshall students play volleyball every free second. Every day at school, it’s hard to miss the numerous circles of students peppering (a game in which people imitate volleyball by doing a pass-set-hit sequence). These groups can even vary from curious sixth graders with a passion to the actual high school volleyball players trying to get some extra practice in.
After the undefeated season from the girls’ varsity volleyball team, the boys’ varsity team has big shoes to fill. The team is full of strong-willed players who love the game. Coach Risejah (RJ) Velasco, a former student and player for Marshall’s girls volleyball team, is very excited about the team, stating,
“I am most excited to be working with all the amazing athletes in the boys’ volleyball program this season. I have seen what they can do, and I know that this group has what it takes to do well in the Mission Valley League and CIF.”
She admitted that the team isn’t at the peak of the mountain, but knows with consistent practice, hard work, and dedication, her team has the potential to become first place contenders in the Mission Valley League.
Not only are people anticipating the varsity team’s success, but the recent return of the JV team is keeping everyone on their toes. Coach Jordan Berganio is also a former student and player for the boys’ volleyball team. Seeing the immense potential his team has, Coach Berganio pushes them to their best during practice.
“As a coach, of course, we want all of our players to receive equal playing time, but it is also our duty to go for that title. A big part of my philosophy is that playing time is not given; it needs to be earned during practice and conditioning. I won’t put someone in that does not show me that they are truly ready,” Coach RJ claims.
The boys’ volleyball teams start their preseason games in late February, so they’re not letting a single minute of practice go to waste. The future of the volleyball program at Marshall is looking promising with the guidance of Coach RJ and Coach Jordan.