Huddled in a circle in the lobby of their gym, members of the St. Mary’s volleyball team engage in conversation without their coach ahead of practice. They talk about their day, how they did on a test and the kind of mindset they are in. This is their new tradition.

“We started doing it this year,” senior opposite hitter and middle blocker Maria Brittain says. “It’s a tradition coach wanted us to start to help create a bond between us.”

Head coach September Lopez thinks a lack of team bonding held them back last year.

Cliques prevailed, and the girls didn’t get along. Lopez believes this created a toxic environment.

“Last year people would get into fights with each other,” says Brittain. “It was so bad, but now we come out here and let everything off of our chests. If we have anything to say about anyone or any play, we say it, and we are not allowed to bring that to practice. The gym doors are a symbol of leaving your baggage at the door.”

Sophomore setter and defensive specialist Spirit Phipps believes developing close bonds is vital to having a successful team.

The players think that the relationships they have created have also strengthened their trust in each other.

“At the beginning, it was a little awkward, but coming out here and getting to know everybody, you get more comfortable and trust them more,” says Phipps, laughing. “Volleyball isn’t one person; it is a team sport. When you meet like we do, you’re more comfortable passing or setting the ball to them. It’s three touches in one play, so you have to trust the five other players on the court with you.”

Lopez believes the strong bond has had a positive impact on their level of play. The stress-free, friendly environment they have created has resulted in more competitive and effective practices.

Competition amongst the team is healthy, and members want to see each other play well.

“Last year, you saw a freshman excluded,” says Lopez. “This year, when our freshman does anything great, everyone is off of the bench cheering for her. The support is there instead of the, ‘Hey freshman, take down the net.’”

“I genuinely cannot think of a person on this team that I do not like,” says Kinsi Norris, sophomore defensive specialist, outside and opposite hitter. “When I am on this team, I have 15 friends.”

When a teammate makes a mistake, the girls know how to approach the situation because they can relate. They know what type of encouragement she needs; some want a pat on the back, and some want tough love.

“We have all shared very personal stuff, things we have never even shared at home or said out loud,” says Phipps. “It makes this team feel more like home … the fact that we can share things most teams don’t.”