by Akira Sumpter

Our women’s volleyball team played its first season since the retirement of Coach Leliani Jones, a coach who has mentored these women since 2019. After coaching volleyball at Patterson for six years, another goal-oriented leader by the name of Ms. Waker is attempting to fill Coach Jones’ shoes as Patterson’s new varsity volleyball coach.

Taking on the new role of a leader in these students lives both off and on the court, Coach Waker said, “I’ve always wanted to coach, so it was a perfect opportunity to challenge myself while doing what I enjoy, which is teaching kids to have fun and be confident in their abilities”. The returning volleyball athletes (three seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and a freshman) had to readjust to the new coach’s methods to be able to dominate.

A varsity coach who has never played volleyball and a JV coach with little to no coaching experience took charge and finished the season with five wins and seven losses. These coaches learned the rules of the game and each player’s personality within a few weeks, so the team could get back on the court.

A few weeks into September, the coaches tried introducing new rotations in the games so players felt more comfortable. “Lost games were often due to players set in the ways of their past coach and because players lacked stamina from choosing not to condition”, Coach Waker explained.

After a disappointing game against Reginald F. Lewis on September 18, the coaches came to the conclusion that their players lacked discipline and motivation. “I understand it was difficult for players to adapt from prior coaching but I wanted everyone to try their best to have fun and push through the discomfort.”, Coach Waker reflected.

The coaches were open to testing new ideas and learning from the team, and this growth mindset supported the players in their games. “Players were often asking to stay late after practice just to improve the team chemistry, drilling to keep their winning spirits up”, recounted varsity captain Alivia Wallece.

This is what made players realize that restarting doesn’t mean a world ending, it means a new world beginning. “Being more positive as a team will help us win instead of losing because we’re in our heads while playing“, said Sophomore varsity player Briel Gale.

After winning a few games towards the end of the season, the team tried their hardest to keep the winning streak up but found they were still frequently outmatched by the opposing team. The scores were relatively close after each set, but the Lady Clippers were often defeated by the end of the game.

However, the team refused to give up and the Lady Clippers persevered to win the final two games of the regular season, thereby qualifying for playoffs. Revitalized by this accomplishment, they were ready to face those county teams with Clipper pride. The team pushed through all distractions and fears and did their best.

Based on this outstanding late-season performance, the new coaching staff is confident that with more practice and time, the Lady Clippers have a bright future ahead of them. These individuals constantly bring light to the team about the circumstances they face instead of dwelling on them, even though they sometimes felt negative or frustrated themselves. 

Even with all their disadvantages and sudden changes, the team still fought hard and made its mark. Our ladies are excited to come back next season, stronger than before, and show the world what being a Lady Clipper means!