Building off last year’s success, the varsity girls volleyball team has started the season 4-0.
The team has a lot of talent, along with a number of leaders who call on everyone to show up every day, looking to get better.
Head coach Joe Sobowicz is gearing up for his second season at the helm and has high expectations for a team that never really stopped playing after last year’s Class B quarterfinal 3-1 loss to Groton School.
For weeks in preparation for the season, the team hosted weekly 6:00 a.m. workouts in Hewett Gymnasium for all to attend. “Those days really helped us get our stamina for the long season ahead,” Coach Sobowicz said. “The team really showed up ready to work, and I think we will see it pay off when we get into the postseason.”
The girls opened their 2025 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 13, against Westminster School. The high-powered Wyvern offense outmatched Westy, leading to a quick 3-0 victory. Sophomore outside hitter Liliana Brachle and junior outside hitter Captain Chloe Delaire dominated the game.
They then faced a tough St. Luke’s opponent on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and with strong defense and relentless effort, the girls walked away with a 3-0 victory.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the girls faced off against a strong Taft team. In a nail-biter, the girls walked away from the five-setter with a 3-2 victory.
A strong focus of the team revolves around the idea of “stacking days”—the belief that if everyone shows up with high energy and intensity every day, they will continue to improve by 1% each day. This idea is essential in preparation for the bigger games they will play later in the season.
Additionally, strong chemistry is absolutely vital if the team wants to make a deep playoff run. “As a senior captain this year, I have spent time building relationships with my teammates and appreciate their effort in practices and at games,” senior middle Captain Katie Reale said.
The game that everyone has circled on their calendars is the annual Dig Pink for Charity game. This year it will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, against Kent at 6:00 p.m. “We are all looking forward to our Dig Pink game because it’s a meaningful cause, and we love seeing the community come together to support our team,” Reale said.
Looking ahead, the team will face one of New England’s best teams, Choate Rosemary Hall, on Wednesday, Oct. 3, followed by Loomis Chaffee on Oct. 6, Williston on Oct. 8, and Pomfret on Oct. 11.
