In a year with just two seniors on the volleyball team, the sophomores have stepped into a important leadership role. The five each played as freshmen, but their jobs have increased on and off the court.

Each athlete has a different leadership style, which is a factor in why they work so well together. 

“I’m not the most vocal, so I think leading by example is really important,” said Abby Christian, defensive specialist from Kansas City, Missouri. “When I do speak up, they tend to listen more since I don’t do it often.”

The Wildcats have started the season 8-9, with a conference record of 3-3. All five sophomores played against the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday and had big roles.

Hannah Gonzalez, middle blocker from Lucas, said it is important to her to intentionally reassure everyone how they can play and encourage them to play to the best of their ability. 

“Meeting together in the middle during a game is a time to reset,” Gonzalez said. “I make sure to look each of my teammates in the eye and reassure everyone of the trust that we have, reset, and get to the next ball.”

Alexis Strong, pin hitter from Louisville, Kentucky, said that part of the team’s cohesiveness comes from each sophomore playing a different position. 

“All of the girls are great at what they do,” Strong said. “It is also fun because we all play different positions, which is just a really unique situation.”

Having a year of experience has made the transition to leaders easy for the sophomore class. Izabelle Larson, pin hitter from San Jose, California, said that having been in the freshmen’s shoes has made it easier to relate and encourage them where they’re at. 

“If the freshmen aren’t having a good week or are frustrated with not playing, I can set an example for them,” Larson said. “Hard work does pay off, and I can give them hope when they’re down.”

Strong has also tried to make the freshmen feel more at home since she explained that the transition from high school is not easy.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking to be a freshman, and you feel like everybody is older than they actually are,” Strong said. “I think trying to make them feel at home is really important.”

Rachel Koss, setter from Appleton, Wisconsin, said she agrees that being a year older has helped her become more experienced in her role, especially as a setter.

“I have good relationships with my teammates and my coaches so they trust me, which helps me trust myself,” Koss said. “I feel like I’m more comfortable in this role, so I feel like I can lead in a better way.”

Christian said she values the way her teammates are not afraid to give criticism when necessary, and they do not sugarcoat it.

“We’re all really close, and we’re not afraid to tell it to each other straight sometimes, which is really helpful,” Christian said. 

The other four sophomores agree with Christian that their chemistry has helped them improve both in their ability and leadership. 

“They always have my back, and I know that they do and it’s little things like whether it’s on the court or off,” Gonzalez said. “They know exactly what to do to cheer me up or to encourage me.”

The five sophomores have a bond from entering college together and going through the same process at the same time. They have grown close and are using that to encourage the rest of the team and set the standard.

The Wildcats lost to the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, and the sophomores said they are excited for the rematch on November 4.

“I’m excited to play UTA again just because I feel like we did not play at the best of our abilities, and I truly think we could have won that game even if the score doesn’t reflect that,” Larson said. “They’re just a great team to play, and it’ll be great competition.”