The Edmond Memorial High School varsity volleyball team has recently ended its season with another victory. This season has been win–after-win, leading up to the team’s state win against Broken Arrow High School.
Their season was not just a coincidence, but a product of training and commitment on and off the court. They started practicing during the summer to prepare for their goal of winning state competition. Varsity coach Kortney Jones helped prepare them for this moment through team-bonding moments.
“We always have a locker room speech, and they always listen to music,” Jones said. “We start our season at the end of June, and they grow into one big happy family.”
To win the championship, the team needed to work together. Jones ensured that each player knew what they had to do to improve and that the girls understood the significance of their contribution.
“We put an emphasis on the fact that everyone played an important role, no matter what the role was,” Jones said. “They were all such good friends–it made it easier for sure.”
This year, it was a goal for freshman right-side hitter Audrey Kate Bajema to make varsity. It was a challenge because of her young age, but she made it because of her dedication to the team.
“I achieved my goal by being very encouraging and working hard in every opportunity that I got to show my skill,” Bajema said. “Winning state made me realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to play volleyball at such a high level, considering my age.”
Even with their preparations, the state games are high-stakes and stressful for players, but the pressure cannot impact their performance. With it being senior defensive specialist Madeline Kirk’s final game, she created a plan to overcome the anxiety.
“The challenges are definitely nerves playing at such a high level and on a big stage with everyone watching,” Kirk said. “The way to overcome it is to know that you are prepared and ready for the moment.”
For Kirk, the victory was meaningful because it was her final game with her friends and team. After years of competing with this team, she viewed ending on a championship win as the perfect closer.
“This victory meant more than anything else,” Kirk said. “I got to play with my best friends for the last time, and especially against a very talented team. We played for each other and leaned on each other through adversity, which led us to win a ring.”
The EMHS volleyball team relied on each other through every game, and it resulted in a championship win. From the first practices to the final game, the players worked hard to overcome adversity and ultimately bring home a championship win.
Contact Paisley Edgin at [email protected]
