With a 6-1 record so far this season, the varsity volleyball team has made it clear that they are looking to accomplish something bigger this year.
According to Head Coach Joe Sobowicz, the team is one of the most talented volleyball teams Kingswood Oxford has had in a long time. However, he believes that talent also will not determine how far the team goes. Leadership, hard work in practice, and the team’s ability to continue improving each day will be important as the season continues. Rather than becoming satisfied with their current success, the team is focused on finding new ways to get better every day.
The KO team has had great success so far in the season: in a game against Taft on Sept. 16, KO won 3-0, they also won 3-0 on Sept. 18 against Westminster, and won 3-1 on Sept. 3 against St. Luke’s. The team lost 3-0 against Hotchkiss on Sept. 25, but won against Greens Farms Academy 3-0 on Sept. 30. They continued their success in a game against Ethel Walker on Oct. 2 winning 3-0 and won on Oct. 3 against Suffield Academy 3-0.
One of the team’s biggest strengths has been its play at the net. Coach Sobowicz describes the team’s offense as a fast-paced attack with multiple strong players in the front row who can put the ball down. Defensively, the team also uses its size at the net to create a strong block that can make it difficult for opponents to score. That strength is reflected in the team’s statistics, with junior right side Liliana Brachle leading the team with 60 kills and 14 blocks, while senior outside Chloe Delaire has also recorded 60 kills. Sophomore middle Dalila Malz has contributed 11 blocks, adding even more depth to the team’s front row.
Beyond their talent, Coach Sobowicz believes the team’s growth and chemistry are what make this group unique. After two years of building the program, he has seen the players become stronger leaders and better at handling adversity. He also emphasized how close the team has become, both on and off the court.
The team’s depth has grown as well, with Coach Sobowicz saying that they now have around eight to 10 players who could start on most teams, compared to only about three varsity-caliber starters during his first year. The depth gives the team more options and allows players to push each other every day.
Several players have played important roles in the team’s success. Brachle, one of the team’s three captains, has taken her game and leadership to another level this season and currently leads the team in kills and blocks. Junior setter Captain Alexandra Okumura has 138 assists and 40 digs and helps run the team’s offense while also leading the team in aces. Delaire has also made an impact after missing time with an injury last year. Together, the three captains have helped lead a team that Coach Sobowicz believes is ready to take the next step after falling short of its championship goal last season.
Now, the team has its sights set on a NEPSAC championship in November. After spending the last two years building the program, Coach Sobowicz believes the team has reached the point where it can make a championship run. At the same time, he wants the players to stay focused on the process rather than looking too far ahead. For the rest of the season, the goal is to continue enjoying each day, improving in practice, learning from challenges, and pushing one another. With a 5–1 start and a deep, experienced roster, the team has positioned itself for an exciting rest of the season.
