Northview’s girls’ volleyball team qualifies for state for the first time since 2014.

Manasa Premanand, Features Editor & Suhani Mahajan, Staff Writer

COVID-19 has impacted life on all levels. Northview’s girls’ volleyball team has had to adhere to new guidelines during practices and matches and even faced a delay at the start of their season. Despite these obstacles, for the first time in six years, the team has qualified for state. 

Initially, the volleyball season was set to start in mid-August, with tryouts taking place in July. However, due to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) postponing the season until Sept. 15, the team endured more strenuous matches and fewer practice weeks. 

“Normally, we have a Tuesday and Thursday schedule, but this year we ended up doing a lot of matches on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and that gave us one less day of practice to work through some things as a team,” Christopher James, head coach of the girls’ volleyball team, said. “That’s just a lot of wear and tear on your body, so that was difficult.”

In addition to a delayed season, the team has also had to adjust to a new protocol. The players are not allowed to touch the ball until sanitizing it, which happens after every play. Players are also no longer able to shake hands before and after games as they once did in light of the health risks. COVID-19 has not only changed the culture of games but has also led to the cancellation of some of them. 

“A lot of our teams — and our region, actually — dropped out because they didn't have a team or, some of the teams would be scheduled, they’d want to play here, but then [their] players got COVID and they got shut down, so we weren’t able to play them,” Mallory Free, co-captain of the team, said. 

In addition to their tenacious attitude, much of the team’s success comes from their increased competitiveness this year and the new vigor with which they practice. The girls have worked on how they play together as a team as well as refining their individual skills as they pertain to their independent positions. 

“In the past, we haven’t had as much competition in practice, where we have individuals pushing each other and trying to one-up each other, and I think that’s been a huge help for us,” James said. “The level of competition has risen, so then the level of play rises along with it. It really has helped us this year.” 

With this season being an unprecedented one, and the stakes rising with every game, Free’s responsibilities as co-captain are paramount. The team voted on captains at the beginning of the season, and to Free, “Captain” is more than just a word; the love and support that is associated with the title honors her.

The other co-captain of the team, Emma Wisham has been on the volleyball team all four years of her high school career. She started out on Junior Varsity during her freshman year, and since sophomore year, has been playing on the varsity team. To observe her personal improvement and the team’s improvement over the years makes her feel proud.

“Four years ago, my freshman year, the varsity team won one game. And then our sophomore year -- our first year on varsity -- we didn't do horrible, but we lost more than we had won,” Wisham said. “It's so crazy to think that three years ago, we were working in the gym at practice, but we just weren't where we are now. And now, we're at state and it's so crazy.” 

The volleyball team’s vast improvement over the years is undeniable. Regardless of the obstacles they have faced in their path, whether it be a worldwide pandemic or a delayed season, the team’s diligence and perseverance will undoubtedly lead them to success.