Each bump, hit, spike, and set encompasses every triumphant win or hard-fought loss in the game of volleyball. Here at Franklin, the women’s volleyball players fight for every victory they earn on the court. Among these players — who are engulfed in skill and determination — are three talented teams, each having their own coaches, rosters, and competition. As the program grows and continues to support the development of their athletes’ skills, Tess Martin, the women’s volleyball varsity head coach, describes how “none of this would be possible without the amazing support from [their] coaching staff: Nick Hansen — assistant varsity coach, Keixa Bridges — [Junior Varsity] (JV) coach, and Miah Dougherty — JV2 coach.”
Our varsity team, who continue to beat records and push themselves toward triumph, is a prime example of how it takes not just one talented individual but a whole team to win matches. Just last year, the varsity team secured seven wins throughout the season — the most wins the program had had in eight years, according to Martin. This year, the varsity team continues to work together to win both sets and games, earning seven wins again during the season.
Although different coaches may lead each team, the program has eight core principles that guide their leadership. Martin explains that the three most important principles of her coaching philosophy are: self-confidence over wins, inclusivity and support, and a strong sense of community in their program.
Along with the core values used by the coaches to guide their leadership, the program aims to integrate players’ perspectives on what goals they want their team to achieve. Martin explains this process, saying, “Each season, we sit down with the returning players and have them choose three attributes that they feel represent what we need to focus on.” She adds, “As coaches, we listen to their input, add some guidance, and then craft a roadmap to help us achieve those goals.”
The three attributes chosen for this season, printed on the back of every player’s practice jersey, are: confidence, effort, and synergy. Prioritizing confidence looked like encouraging every player to test their limits to fight for every point. Players emphasized putting effort into each practice and game, working hard as a team to put their all into every play in order to earn wins and keep their heads up when facing losses. Synergy encompassed the goal for the team to remember that they are stronger as a team than they could ever be individually.
Through the focus these coaches put into creating a supportive environment, they have been able to create a positive community among the players. Senior and one of the varsity team’s outside hitters, Gracee Simar, explains that the biggest factor that has drawn her back to continue playing on Franklin’s volleyball teams each year has been her teammates. Simar explains, “We all just have a good connection and we’re all friends.”
Team bonding is one of the most important ways to help a team become closer with each other and has been integrated through many parts of the Franklin volleyball program. From the start of the season, the full program participates in activities that range from competitive relay games to volunteering together to running youth volleyball tournaments at Franklin. The whole program is familiar with each other’s faces no matter what team they are on.
As teams have worked to get to know each other better, Simar explains that one of her favorite memories of being on Franklin’s volleyball teams was the varsity retreat to Mt. Hood, as it was “really good bonding time.” Special retreats like this are only able to be achieved through the fundraising the program does, something that the team has made a big push to increase this season.
Fundraising also acts as a key way that teams like Franklin volleyball can offer opportunities to all players, no matter their economic circumstances. After fundraising this year, Martin explains, “One major success was being able to provide a free team camp to help condition and prepare athletes before tryouts.” Beyond this, a lot of their fundraising is put towards opportunities “to attend team bonding experiences, like going to University of Oregon volleyball games, which are great for building team unity.”
A unique resource that is provided to Franklin’s volleyball players is the ability to work with mental health performance coach Anna Hennings, who was hired through the money they have fundraised. Hennings acts as another support system that Martin aims to put into place to help grow players’ confidence. Martin explains Hennings’ impacts on players’ confidence and mental resilience: “I’ve already seen a noticeable shift in how our players carry themselves during matches — fighting through situations they might have given up on before. It’s been amazing to watch that confidence grow.”
When the team is struggling with the stress and pressure from games, Hennings has supported the team in learning how to deal with it. This support has largely been provided through teaching the team various techniques to deal with anxiety-inducing games. Simar explains how Hennings encouraged the team to take a moment together in order to reset during overwhelming moments: “If we’re in a game and we’re struggling during a moment, we all come in a circle and we’ll all count down and clap on three … it’s a way we refocus.”
While their 2024 season is coming to an end, Franklin volleyball continues to grow and welcome new players for the years to come. “If anyone’s interested in trying out, I encourage them to follow us on Instagram [@franklinvolleyball24], where we post our pre-season schedule,” Martin explains. “No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to come out and give it a try!”
Preseason opportunities in the gym and weight room are available as early as April. These trainings act as a key way that volleyball coaches create opportunities for all players to grow their skills in between seasons, whether or not they have the financial resources to play club volleyball.
Dedication to a sport takes not only time but also the mental strength and grit needed to push through tough games and continue working towards winning that next point. As Franklin’s women’s volleyball program cultivates mental strength and confidence in players, it highlights how winning isn’t just about talent.
