With just four returning varsity players, volleyball coaches Jack Wong and Anikka Fredericksen ’15 could have expected 2024 to be a “building” season. However, after dropping their first game to Rectory, the team swept their next twelve games, finishing the season with an impressive 12-1 record. 

This performance continues a streak of strong seasons for the Fay volleyball program, which seems to have found a winning formula with its focus on fundamentals, versatility, and resilience. The team’s first loss against Rectory was a reminder of all those critical elements, as the Fay team came into the match feeling inexperienced and nervous. “I don’t think the girls were quite ready yet,” notes Jack, but as the season progressed, the girls gained more experience, learning how to turn a free ball into an offensive move, anticipating where the other team would hit a shot, and developing the communication skills to work as a team on the floor. They also developed more versatility, with more girls becoming strong servers and passers and going from one setter to four.  When the team played Rectory again later in the season, “We showed them a whole different team,” says Anikka. “Everyone did their part, cheered each other on, and when they made a mistake, they didn’t worry about it. They picked each other up,” adds Jack. “The most memorable moment for me was our home game against Dana Hall,” says Captain Phoebe ’26. “It was Friday Night Lights, and a lot of teams came to support us so it was really fun, the energy was amazing, and we fed off of it. We played really well, beating them 3-0.” 

The ability to recover from a mistake in volleyball is as essential a skill as knowing how to serve or dig. “You own it, you fix it, and then you forget about it,” says Jack. “That cycle can go on many times, but eventually they get the idea, and that’s the mentality that makes the girls more confident.” 

Volleyball is also a game of strategy, and players can’t just rely on natural athleticism. They have to be willing to communicate, work as a team, and play strategically. With 48 girls in the program this year and two JV squads, Jack and Anikka have reinforced the values of effort and hard work by giving JV players who earn it the chance to practice or play with the varsity squad. “We give opportunities to kids who are trying hard, and you can see their skills improving,” explains Anikka.

The team has also grown under the leadership of captains Phoebe, Juliette ’26, and Kana ’25, who combine strong technical skills, athleticism, and a desire to keep improving, which sets the tone for the entire team. “Before every match, Phoebe, Kana, and I reminded the team to cheer for one another, stay positive, and, above all, have fun,” says Juliette. “That energy brought us closer together and made us stronger as a team.”

From the coaching perspective, the team exemplified the rewards of earnest effort all season long. “The girls on our team are motivated to do well,” says Anikka.  “I don’t feel like there’s ever been a practice where their feet are dragging, and most of the time when the coaches leave practice, there’s still a group of girls practicing on the court.”