Season Recap: Girls Varsity and JV Volleyball

The ISI JV and Varsity Volleyball summer practices began with a limited number of front row players, no setters, and numerous defensive specialists. The team ended the season with a sectional championship for the second time in school history.

With a new coaching staff, the team adjusted to a different style and approach. Although many players returned with strong experience, the team lacked height, prompting coaches to rethink systems that maximized both defense and front-row strength. Freshman Anabel Kim and sophomore Emma Wust Head stepped up as JV setters, while sophomore Ana Cuevas-Faget and junior Teresa Avila-Guevara transitioned from defensive specialists to varsity setters. Sophomore Yaretzi Mejia Guevara and freshman Lily Flenniken also stepped into new roles to strengthen the front row.

“I would say my biggest accomplishment this season was finally squaring up to the net,” Teresa Avila-Guevara said

“My biggest challenge this season was setting, because it was an entirely new skill to me this year,” Ana Cuevas Faget said.

Early in the season, the team struggled with consistent energy, focus, and communication, especially as many players adjusted to new positions. Ball control was inconsistent, and confidence dipped during tough, long matches.

“My biggest challenge this season was keeping a strong mindset throughout the game,” Yaretzi Mejia Guevara said. “It was easy to get frustrated after making mistakes. However, volleyball is a mental game, and it was important to focus on the next point and encourage each other.”

Over time, skills strengthened across the board. Serving improved, with Yaretzi and Teresa leading in aces, and the front row added variety and more reliable blocking from senior Amalia Cristea and sophomore Catrina Cristea. Led by sophomore Maya Kalgaonkar, the back row became faster, while setters sharpened their transitions and decision-making. Most importantly, the team grew tremendously in mental resilience and camaraderie. Seniors Isabela Gonzalez Knarr and Gabby Vergnaud fueled the team’s positivity and determination, helping them outshine opponents with their energy. 

“Everyone played extremely hard, and we played as a family and supported each other,” Gabby Vergnaud said. “It’s important that women’s sports at ISI are cared about because we have an amazing team and can definitely make it past regionals, and we have an amazing future for girls volleyball.”

After building a solid foundation throughout the season, the team worked hard on advanced skills to prep for their state tournament run. They won all three rounds of sectionals without dropping a set, winning the sectional title for the second time in school history. They fell in a tough match in regionals, but played some of their best volleyball to date.

“The trajectory of this team over the season was outstanding,” Coach Christy Go said. “The team played with a greater purpose in mind and a hunger to always improve. They lifted each other up when other teams would fall apart. They should be incredibly proud of their impact on younger players, girls’ sports, and the ISI community. Thank you to all of our seniors for your dedication to the volleyball program. We look forward to the future with our young team!”