As flip flops are traded for uggs and lemonade for apple cider, it is apparent that volleyball season has begun.

The de Toledo Varsity Girls Volleyball team began practicing on July 20th in preparation for their annual tournament where they welcome the start of the season. 

Player Sammie S. ‘28, has participated in volleyball for 13 years, and has always found herself swinging and passing from the position of outside hitter. While playing for clubs such as Actyve and Sunshine, she trains with top coaches and continues to compete in national tournaments. Her current club team, Actyve 17 Navy, is currently ranked 24th in the nation in that age division. However, this season the well-established outside hitter had to trade in spiking for setting.

de Toledo’s team has undergone significant changes, with four starting players graduating last year, including two middle blockers, a libero, and a setter. While attempting to fill these spaces on the courts, the athletes had to take risks and play in new positions before the team could play comfortably. 

As a result, Sammie has been the starting setter for de Toledo, filling in a spot that seemed to be the team’s vulnerability. According to Sammie, “It was challenging to learn a new position in such a short period of time but it has allowed me to get a different outlook on the game while also introducing a new outlook on the game, especially with volleyball IQ.”

As a 2x MVP of the team and 3x All-Tournament Player, nobody could have expected for the star hitter to spend her season setting others up for success. She explains, “The most rewarding part of setting this season is knowing that I am helping my teammates succeed and also see the growth of my game not from an attacking standpoint.”

The team has seen success with results in their record of 8-5. We look forward to seeing how the rest of the season plays out for Sammie, and wish her luck in her time as the starting Varsity setter! Go Jags!