A little positive reinforcement goes a long way for Class A Champion Papillion LaVista South
Photo contributed To peak at the right time is so important in the sport of volleyball and the Papillion-LaVista South Titans (23-17) did just that in order to win the Nebraska Class A State Championship over a determined Gretna team.…
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Continue ReadingTo peak at the right time is so important in the sport of volleyball and the Papillion-LaVista South Titans (23-17) did just that in order to win the Nebraska Class A State Championship over a determined Gretna team.
As the frustrations lingered during the season, the Titans relied on support from teammates, coaches, parents, and fans. The extra positive reinforcement all around pushed the players to be the best they could be heading to the state tournament.
This type of support reminds all that good vibes from an athlete’s support team will persevere! That extra note or text, or just saying good luck can really go a long way.
Congratulations on winning a state championship! What were your thoughts on match point and when the ball hit the floor for the final time?
Katie Wright, Coach
My thoughts were of complete pride for the entire team. They showed true grit and character and I am so proud to call them my team.
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
It was a blur and it took me a while to process that we actually won the whole thing. There were a lot of smiles and happy tears at the same time, and all I could think about was “we did it”.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
Proud. I was proud of my team for proving many people wrong and fighting for what we deserved.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
One more point and we will be state champions, I just wanted to be a part of the play to end the game. I don’t really remember the block it happened very fast and then I just remember falling to the ground with my team and it was the best feeling.
Parents can be crazy sometimes. What did your parents do to support you before, during, and after the tournament?
Katie Wright, Coach
Our parents were wonderful all year. I always felt as though the parents were supportive of our program even when times were frustrating. It is important that these girls are hearing positive words of encouragement at home and within their team and I believe this year’s team was.
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
They always write me a letter before the state tournament starts about how proud of me they are. During the tournament, they are always supportive and positive about what happens on the court, and they encourage me to strive to be the best.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
My parents give me support by being at the games. Knowing that my number 1 fans are in the crowd cheering me on gives me more motivation.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
Both of my parents wrote me notes to get me prepared. they believed in me through the whole thing and really all of the parents on the team were very supportive giving us goofy bags before our games and cheering us on
Such great student sections and fans at all of the games! What kind of support did your team get from your community and school before, during, and after the tournament?
Photo contributed.Katie Wright, Coach
Our support from our students, our administration, and our community is unmatched in my opinion. Volleyball is a very emotional game and when the surrounding support gets involved, we feel it and it truly propels us! It most certainly was a HUGE part of why our girls were able to do what they did at the State Tournament.
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
We had two send-offs, one before the tournament and one before the finals. The parents are very supportive of us and contribute several gifts for all of us to have. The community and school were very supportive and it was like I had everyone in Papillion text me “good luck”, even if I didn’t know them. Word gets around really fast.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
Our “Blackhole” as we call it has done nothing but be the best. A big part of winning state should be credited to our fans. Being loud and some extra clapping motivates our team. Our student section is always proud to say that they are Titans.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
We had a send-off before the championship and most students came, they were very loud and always positive they did their best to get the word out for all games and really wanted the whole school there to support
Being a part of a team means you spend a lot of time with your teammates! What are some of your favorite memories that really stand out from the season?
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
Embracing the grind of the season and pushing each other to be the greatest we spent every day in and out of the gym. A thing we did before every game was a “dance party” where we would blast music super loud and get the nerves out before we would go out to play.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
Obviously winning state is a big one but to me a lot of the little things matter like loud dance parties in the locker room before games, getting smoothies together, and just laughing and sharing moments together that will last forever.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
I really like zero hour, starting my day off with them and then ending my day with them really built a great culture with our team I think, team dinners were always fun getting to know everyone a little bit better
Your thoughts on the offseason. What do you want to work on? How are you going to accomplish your goals? If you are a senior, will volleyball be part of your future?
Katie Wright, Coach
I believe much of our success is in part to the off-season training that these girls put in within our strength and conditioning program. I attribute some of their grit to the work they put in and the “buy-in” into our team that occurs during the offseason.
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
I am a senior, volleyball will not be a part of the future. However, I will always try and be a strong leader to the girls and I’m willing to encourage them in the offseason to work hard. I also run track in the spring and a lot of the other girls on my team do too, so that’s another way I can still connect with them.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
It’s going to be hard to not be apart of the South volleyball team anymore but I am excited to get to continue volleyball in college. I’m going to play club this season and train to be able to perform my best at Wayne state!
Ava LeGrand, 10th
This club season I hope to get more interests from college programs which will hopefully lead to me committing this summer. Just bettering my all-around play. Getting my sets more consistent
Playing volleyball at the next level is a big decision! What are your thoughts on if you want to play and where?
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
I will not be playing volleyball in the future but I am happy for my teammates who are moving on.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
I am going to Wayne state to play volleyball. I am super excited as I believe it will be a perfect fit for me.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
I would love to play at a competitive D1 school, somewhere that will push me and I will have a big impact on. Also competing with other high-level schools
Add your own state volleyball memory here!
Ashlyn Dierks, 12th
A memory for me is serving the last point in the fifth set, the last serve of my career. My high school career ended with a total 1,275 service attempts, but that championship serve is the one I will remember forever.
Sophie Hendrix, 12th
Looking up to our fans in the bleachers after we had just won. Seeing all of them cheering and clapping with just pure joy in their eyes made me feel at that moment as if nothing else mattered. Papillion south high school was all one.
Ava LeGrand, 10th
Send off from all of our classmates
Photo contributed.