As a freshman coming into a new program, I was very curious to learn the team dynamics and everyone’s role in our volleyball family. Now that we are well into our season, I thought it would be fun for you all to see our team through my eyes, and how each of the players are from a perspective deeper than just watching us on the court. This is how I see the Portland Pilot Volleyball Players:
Danielle – The hustler. D’s got swag. She is always running around the court making perfect passes out of nowhere. She is an amazing volleyball player. As our only leader, she inspires everyone on the team to work their absolute hardest in every practice and in every game.
Marissa – The mother. Marissa is always taking care of the rest of team whether it’s playing nurse if someone is hurt, or making sure Madi has all of her uniform. If there’s ever a problem or question, Marissa is the go to girl.
Kati – The crazy uncle. Kati, or Ron as we like to call her, says and does the funniest dumb stuff on the team. She is constant entertainment, and there is never a dull moment when she is around.
Rachel – The girl-scout leader. Rachel is quieter, but an obvious leader on and off the court, and helps everyone move in the right direction but in a less aggressive manner.
Ariel – The ring leader. In every huddle Ariel is encouraging and rallying everyone, getting us pumped back up or keeping us excited. She has natural leadership qualities, and she and Madi are always making the team laugh with silly sayings or poses.
Kate – The boss. She is the strongest girl you will ever meet, both physically and emotionally. She is extremely passionate about the game, and has a born desire to win.
Madi – The sweet and sassy one. Madi is always doing or saying something hysterical. She tends to forget things, and have blonde moments, but she can make anyone smile. Plus her hair is always SO beautiful!
Jessica – The studyaholic. Whether we are in the locker room before practice or a match, Jess will have a book or notes in front of her. She is ridiculously smart and, during dinner at our UC Davis tournament she couldn’t think of anything to draw, so she started drawing organic compounds.
Monica – The baby. Monica is always worried about messing up something or doing something wrong in school so we are always trying to help calm her down because she is still adjusting to being at a real school with teachers and classmates. We always love taking care of our little Mo.
Christina – The spaz. Christina is always doing something weird. No one really noticed it the first few weeks but, as the season progresses, she gets stranger and stranger. Whether she is attempting to pass a ball or making random squeaks and screams on the sidelines, Christina is a very peculiar individual.
McKenzie – The chiller. McKenzie is an extremely laid back and happy person. You rarely see her down or super hyper, and she is one of the nicest people I have ever met.
Me – The awkwardly wild one. Monica described me as awkward and wild, and I’m sure most of the team would agree with them, but I can’t imagine why! ;)
Stay Classy Pilot Fans,
Autumn
