As soon as the multitude of peppermint lattes and gingerbread frappuccinos fill coffee shops everywhere, fall sports all come to an end. As winter approaches and the holiday season begins, Tempe Prep’s varsity volleyball team shows that they have much to be thankful for. With three experienced freshmen joining, the team has seen great improvements and will have some amazing players for the upcoming seasons.

One of these talented freshmen, Gracie Brittain, shares her optimistic experience: “Being a freshman at first was a little strange because I didn’t really know anyone very well. However, as the season progressed I made great friends from all the classes. It was a blessing being able to have so many players to look up to, and was the main reason I got better this year. I learned so much this season and had such a great time!”

It’s great to see how the team really exemplifies the true spirit of Tempe Prep and enthusiastically welcomes new teammates. By having such positive attitudes, they really allow the team to become the best it can.

Junior Claire Carmody gives her perspective on the ups and downs of the competitive season, “This year was very different than other years I’ve played volleyball. This year we never fully played to our full potential and really meshed until state. We really pulled through and made it to quarter finals where we lost to Greenway, who then continued on and won state. We didn’t let them win without putting up a fight though. We actually scored only a few points difference from the team that lost to them in finals.”It’s awesome to see that the Lady Knights are keeping a good spirit throughout theirs wins and their losses.

When asked what the highlight of the season was, Claire responds, “I’d say the best game we ever played was when we beat Agua Fria, the No. 5 seed team. We came back from being down 0-2 and won the last three sets. It was such an amazing team and will never forget that game or the amazing teammates I played it with.”

Overall, the varsity volleyball team has seen vast improvements and will continue to do exceptionally well at every game and practice. Here’s to a great season! Go Lady Knights!