Selma Highs varsity boys’ volleyball team prevailed through the season with a final record of 3-11. This year was Selma Highs second season building the Boys Volleyball program. Although the program is fresh, the team adapted to these challenges with resilience.
“It has been an honor to be a part of a growing sport at Selma High School. The program will only get better from here on out,” Coach Meng Ngin expressed.
Coach Ly Meng Ngin explains that for many of his athletes, it was their first time playing. This proved to be a challenge as each athlete was exposed to learning proper technique and communication skills for the first time. Coach Meng Ngin explains that although “some of the movements were not natural to our athletes,” a main focus was to become consistent through repetition in practice. This hard work allowed the team to encounter victories, such as winning the silver bracket at the Immanuel High School Invitational.
Joining a new sport can be a daunting task but the mindset installed through the team was one of staying focused on the improvements made throughout the season.
“I’ve learned how to adapt to the sport without any prior experience. This is the case for the whole team and this season has really shown me that a collective effort is crucial to succeed” says Nico Colado. “We’ve all been working hard these past months and our improvement definitely shows.”
On April 26th, Selma High faced Immanuel High School for their final game of the season. If a point didn’t go as expected, the team could be seen pointing to their head, a symbol showing that winning the next point, next match, next game, all started with the correct mindset.
By uplifting one another the team kept the energy high on the court. Rather than playing solely for themselves, they played for each other, demonstrating a strong unity amongst their team.
“As a team that only started two months ago, I’d say our team chemistry is amazing. Some of my teammates I’ve never met before but it seems like I’ve known them so long and have grown so close to them,” explained Matthew Garza.
As the season progressed, so did each players confidence. Each individual learned to excel in their position and in return support one another.
“While playing volleyball, I’ve learned that it’s a very selfless sport meaning you don’t always have to be the one spiking the ball down and getting that point.” Garza explained, “Passing is pretty cool too, it’s the foundation to scoring said point.”
Similarly, the teams designated setter Immanuel Renteria, explained that through the season he has grown more confident in his position. By doing so he was able to set his teammates up to make game winning points. Whether it’s setting, blocking, or serving, the team has grown confident in each other and in themselves.
“Witnessing the growth and progress of my players is incredibly rewarding. Whether it is achieving their goals, overcoming obstacles, or gaining new skills, seeing tangible evidence of their development fuels my motivation to continue supporting them,” shared Coach Meng Ngin.
What started as a team of beginners, ended with a group of individuals that gained new skills, confidence, and memories that will be cherished for the years to come.
“All Selma high sports aren’t just teams. We’re families, that’s what’s most important,” expressed Renteria.
