The Scott Gym buzzes with energy as the boys’ volleyball team takes the court, their jerseys sparkling under the lights and their minds focused, ready for any hit that comes their way. The Panthers started the season slowly—losing three matches in a row to San Marino, Mark Keppel and Temple City. Perhaps it was a lack of chemistry, or just inevitable preseason rust. However, the Panthers did not let these losses define their season. Instead, they have bounced back fiercely and won their last 11 games, claiming a Prep League championship title and guaranteeing a spot in the CIF playoffs.
Sophomore Sam Andrade, a talented outside hitter crucial to the team’s success, explained how the team stayed positive after the losses through relentless training during practice: “We just kept putting work in; practice after practice we would all show up and put in 110%, and this basically turned our season around.” Evidently, this work has paid off, as the Panthers boast a 13-3 overall record, with a spotless 11-0 in the Prep League.
He added, “I believe that our hard work and dedication are finally paying off with wins, but we are only just getting started as we approach the playoffs.”
One match during the season where the Panthers really showed their skill was in a home rivalry match against Flintridge Prep on Friday, Mar. 14. Their coordination as a unit and their abundance of talent earned them a 3-0 win, giving Prep absolutely no chance. A key player in this game was junior and captain Jack Gomez, an experienced volleyball player who helped to break down Prep’s defensive structure.
Explaining the team’s early struggles, Gomez said, “We lost two valuable seniors last year and endured change at the beginning of the year. We lost three matches as a result of these changes.”
As Gomez describes, sudden change can be difficult for any team, and the Panthers experienced these setbacks firsthand.
However, change can also bring opportunity, with new players and fresh strategies.
“Even though we lost at the start of the season, we managed to get ourselves back together. We are young players with a very tight knit relationship, so that helps a lot,” Gomez added.
Although youth can sometimes mean inexperience, for the Panthers, it has helped foster great chemistry and passion as the youthful players navigate their season not just as teammates but also as friends. The coaching staff also had to help the players bounce back from their early losses to salvage the season.
“Our coaches have been a big part of our success this season, especially head coach Jack Prater whose experience as a coach guides us everyday,” shared Andrade. Prater and the rest of the staff have been impactful this season and their relationship with the players have helped them find success as well.
Now, with a CIF spot secured, the Panthers have their eyes on the bigger prize: winning it all. And with a phenomenal squad and a strong coaching staff, they are on track to do just that.