Fresh off an Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) championship last fall, the Lions Varsity Volleyball team adopted a different approach to practices this summer.

Along with the normal schedule of team practices, the team invited last year’s volleyball seniors to challenge this year’s varsity team in a best of three sets match. The goal of the scrimmage for the new team was to build team chemistry and receive advice from former players who have achieved the ultimate goal: A conference championship. 

Former team captain John Householder ‘25 organized this summer’s event as a way to reminisce about past seasons and to connect former players with the current team before last year’s seniors leave for college.

With the mass exodus of talent and experience left by the last year’s seniors, this year’s team will be leaning on younger players, so the opportunity to learn from experienced players is crucial.

“Our team connection is really good,” sophomore Chris Householder, John’s younger brother, said. “We bring a lot of energy, and we’re just excited to get on the court and play. We lost six starting players last year because (they were) seniors, so I feel like this year is more (about) developing the younger guys,” 

Even though the varsity team lost to the alumni in a 3-set match, the current players remain encouraged. They are committed to practicing and executing better in order to reach their goal, winning the conference and hoisting the trophy in November