Amanda Entzminger is a journalism student at Gilbert Christian High School assigned to cover high school sports for AZPreps365.com

Things are looking different for the volleyball team this year. Whether it being different coaches every year, different teammates, having to step up as a junior, or it being COVID-19, there is still a chance to make it to state. Is Elli, the junior captain, going to give what it takes to help her team get to victory? I interviewed Elli. Let's see what she had to say:

How long have you been playing Volleyball for?

“I have been playing volleyball for 5-6 years. I know a lot about the sport and I absolutely love it.” Elli has lots of background for the sport. 

She has been playing volleyball for a long period of time, and she knows what it takes to be a good leader on the bench and on the court.

 

What is it like being a captain as a junior?

“Being a captain as a junior is a big change. It is very fun and I feel very honored.” 

Elli has been a captain for two years now. As a junior versus a sophomore, more people look up to her as an upperclassman. 

 

What about this season is different than the years before?

“We have a young team, but we'll be together for a long time.“

Elli has been on the school volleyball team since freshman year. There have been new coaches every year and new teammates every year. 

 

What are your plans to make it to state? How will you get there? 

“We believe that we will make it to state. And we are actually playing as a team this year and not for ourselves.” 

Elli’s plan to make it to state is to just put the effort in and knowing that she and the team will have to want it. 

 

How is the season so far?

“The season is better than I thought we would be. We are top in our region this year and we are gaining confidence.”

The season is going good even though COVID-19 is interfering. There are less games and there are precautions. Elli and her team are still having fun and that is all that matters. They are currently at 8-3. The record for this year's volleyball team places them at first in region and seventh in state, as of this writing. 

 

How is it having a new coach every year? 

“It has been okay. I don't mind it, but it's hard to start a new team with a new coach every year. We have to keep proving ourselves.” 

While the volleyball team having a new coach every year is difficult, they are still managing to pull off many wins. As the season moves along, they are coming together more as a team.