As the weather becomes bipolar and the year becomes tight, Selma High’s boys’ volleyball season is growing in intensity. The team has been practicing for days to weeks on end, wanting to put meaning and more recognition into this sports’ team here at SHS.
“We’ve been practicing for the past three weeks now,” says returning Coach Ly Ngin.
Boys’ volleyball welcomes back returning players from last year, their relationships and connections with others still up high and strong.
“I started playing volleyball last year. This is my second year,” says junior player Abdul Almuradi. “Playing with friends makes it even more enjoyable, and volleyball itself is a fun sport.”
“[This is] actually my second year,” says senior Raul Huerta. “It’s been a journey to be honest. I like the team. My first year felt more fun but now it’s more competitive, more than last year.”
While there are returning players from last year’s season, new players step onto the court with interest and hope for new experiences and chemistry with others. Senior Moises Mariscal is in his first year playing volleyball, and his experiences have been positive.
“This is one of my first times playing,” he states. “Learning how to play volleyball has been fun.”
Most of the boys volleyball players, such as senior Moises Mariscal, have been absent due to being involved in boys’ soccer. Because of the team’s big achievements, boys’ volleyball has been short a few.
“We are waiting for their return,” states Ngin. “Meanwhile, we’re developing our other guys and getting them ready for the season.”
When practicing, every player has their own focus and ambitions for what they want to achieve. As for Ngin, he focuses on the individual first, then he gathers the team.
“Volleyball has different roles that you have to play,” says Ngin, “so I focus on each role for each player so they understand what their responsibilities are on the court. Then, we all come together and try to mesh everything together and hope it meshes well.”
The players give their all during practices, wanting their hard work to pay off in the long run for this volleyball season.
“I stay confident and have fun,” says Abdul. “That mindset helps me stay relaxed, and I hope it reflects in games.”
“I usually focus on mentally preparing during practices,” states Huerta. “Just keep doing the drill over and over again, learning from where I messed up.”
As the season is just right around the corner, tensions are heating up and anxieties from starting are creeping up, right? Wrong! For the boys’ volleyball team, they express great excitement and goals that they wish to accomplish for this season.
“I’m excited to start the season,” says Abdul. “I hope we make playoffs and go from there. I want us to improve as a team and play as one.”
“Hopefully [we win] valley,” senior, Raul Huerta, states, “just like soccer and football. I’m excited. Nervous would’ve been me last year! The team, they’re a great bunch of guys. We’ve been through our ups and downs.”
“For the team,” says senior Moises Mariscal, “I want to win a couple games, at least. I’m a little nervous.”
For Coach Ly Ngin, he is very excited for this year’s season to start. He wants his kids to go out and perform to the best of their ability!
“I hope volleyball continues to grow here,” exclaims Ngin. “I would like to see a lot of our students to come out, same for staff, give us support. Give it a chance. Watch a game or two. The boys have really high hopes and high expectations for themselves. They would want to go to playoffs and eventually win Valley. That is what we’re shooting for, and it is my job to teach them to know and get them there.”
