When asked what the biggest improvement over the season was, Mrs. Riegel responded by saying, “I think the girls improved on working together as a team. I think that the girls did well combining their talents.” Mrs. Hoener was asked how she thought the last home game went. Mrs. Hoener responded by saying, “I think they played hard, and I hope that that isn’t the last home game of the season.”
Katie Pierick, senior, was home recovering from her knee surgery that took place the Monday before New Haven played against Fatima. When coach Ray Steinhoff called out the starters and non-starters for New Haven, each player did something unique. Coach Steinhoff made sure to include Katie and state that she is still a part of the team but could not make the last home game. When Mr. Steinhoff called Katie’s name and number, the New Haven Varsity team, turned to where Katie stands and saluted her spot.
The Varsity volleyball team ended the season as conference champs. They play districts at Calvary Lutheran on Tuesday, October 21st. The New Haven Varsity team will find out who they play Monday, October 20th.
SENIOR SECTION
All of the seniors were asked how they thought their possible last home game went. They were also asked to give any advice they had to the underclassmen and the upcoming Varsity team.
Courtney Yowell responded, “My advice to the upcoming Varsity team is to work hard every game and practice because the season goes by FAST! What I want to say about our last home game is that we worked our best, and even though we didn't win, we played our best, and that's all that matters. The things that I am going to miss are playing on the Ray Steinhoff court and hearing the crowd cheer for us at all the games, no matter if they were home or away.”
Megan Shockley said, “Tonight was extremely emotional. It could've possibly been the last time we play on Ray Steinhoff court. The last time we get dressed in that locker room, do our pre game dance in that hallway, or run out to Shania Twain. It's a great feeling to know that you have come this far, but also a bitter feeling because we know it's almost over. We have the best team out there. We not only can play well together, but we get along off the court as well. There is no drama or tension. Just one goal. My advice to the underclassmen is to not take any of this time for granted. Don't go into practice thinking, ‘Ugh I don't wanna be here. Can I just go home?’ Go to practice thinking, ‘I'm gonna work my butt off today!’ The end is coming quick and there's nothing you can do to stop it. And always remember, it really is an honor to be a Shamrock.”
Katie Pierick says, “This goes for any sport. Whether it be practice or a game, play like it's your last because one day it will be. You will be looking back wishing you would have listened to your coaches and done something different. Love and trust your team. They will be the ones covering your back every step of the way or picking you up off the floor. Set your standards high and believe in your team. A person once told me this, ‘...do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Relax and have a great time....’ Have fun with it. After all, you only have four years.’ Now being apart of the New Haven Volleyball Program is more than just going through the motions. It has taught me teamwork, responsibility, and hard work. This program has impacted my life for the good. I will never forget the feeling of running onto that court and playing. Thank you, New Haven Volleyball. It has been an honor.”
Taylor Covington says, “To lose my possible last home game was definitely hard. To try so hard to beat that team and then lose is frustrating, but we now have to put that game behind us and look onto districts. The thing is, we actually may still have a chance to win our last home game EVER if we can win districts and then have sectionals on our home court.
This game has prepared us for districts and beyond, because we needed that one team to push us to play the way we were made to play. And we needed to see that kind of team in order to prepare us for the tough road ahead. The good news is, we know how good we can be, and now that we have seen that, we all are C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T in the way we play.
The thing that I will probably miss the most would have to be playing with the team. I LOVE our team. I wasn't really sure how it was going to be since us seniors hadn't really talked to the juniors before, nor played with them, but now I couldn't imagine playing without them. They have the will to win just like us, and together we are domination. And next year, I am gonna miss being part of that team.
For the varsity team next year, don't dwell on your mistakes because you will never be able to take them back. Be the leaders you need to be next year because every team needs those people to take charge, and as my good friend once said--you all know who she is--"Play every game like your last, because you never know when your last game will be." If you do just that, you guys will be GOLDEN. ”LETS GO GIRLS!!”
-by Kathy Jasper