Advancing farther than any previous team, the Dominion Girls Varsity Volleyball team made school history last year after competing in the state championships against James Wood High School in November. Now more than halfway through the new season, the team aims to make it back to the state semis and bring home the title for the first time in the program’s history.
Placing emphasis on team morale as the season began, Head Varsity Coach Phoung Tat intends to maintain high energy throughout the season by “encouraging a positive approach during practices and games.” ”It is not how we start, but how we end.” Tat said.
The departures of valuable 2023 graduates Haley Gill, Maya Van Wyngaardt, Kennedy Seekford, and Anna Adiaconite, pose a challenge to the team this year. “[Haley’s] vocal accountability pushed our team to a competitive height that we envisioned Dominion Volleyball to be, rightfully earning her a 1st Team All-State at the Libero position,” Tat said.
The team entered the season with notable additions to the varsity roster including juniors Catalina Huerta and Elyssamae Shifflett, sophomore Megan Hiltner, and the only freshman on the varsity roster, Ingrid Smith. “[It’s] definitely nerve racking at times but everyone on the team makes me feel much more comfortable. Everyone welcomed me and embraced me into the team, making it a lot of fun to be on such a competitive team with such great teammates,” Smith said.
The biggest challengers to the Titans within the district this year are Rock Ridge and Broad Run with a brutal 0-3 loss to Broad Run on August 30th, and a 1-3 loss to Rock Ridge Phoenix on September 26th. The team currently holds a record of eight wins and three losses this season after sweeping the Loudoun County Captains in dominant fashion. Their next game is away against the Loudoun Valley Vikings on October 3rd at 7:15 pm.
“This year, if we continue working hard I think we can make it all the way with the support of the student section.” Smith said.
