For some, it was their last game ever.
For others, their biggest game yet.
For all members of the Lions volleyball team, the objective was clear: win. And, after five tightly contested sets, the team did just that, defeating Episcopal High school (EHS) and rendering themselves SPC champions.
The team battled through a great deal of adversity in order to collect their hardware, with all three rounds of the postseason going the full five sets against strong teams.
“My favorite thing about this year is that there were no easy matches,” head volleyball coach Darren Teicher said. “Fort Worth Country Day was a very good team. Greenhill was a very good team. Trinity Valley was a very good team. There was nobody in our league that couldn’t beat us and for us to win this championship, we had to be perfect, and we were. So, I’m very proud of the guys for that.”
To conquer this tough gauntlet, Teicher worked hard to promote togetherness throughout the season and especially going into the tournament.
“The biggest thing that I try to express to the guys is it’s a team game,” Teicher said. “When we lose, we lose together. When we win, we win together. And that includes me.”
The Lions’ impressive efforts this season were spearheaded by a dedicated class of 6 seniors who have developed spectacular chemistry over the last several years: Jacob Lobdell, Maddox Canham, John Householder, William Morrow, Owen Ackerman and Charlie Gordy.
“Going into the season, we all knew we had the talent to win the championship, so we really focused on off the court energy and team chemistry as well,” senior Charlie Gordy said. “The seniors specifically knew it was our last chance to leave a mark on the program, so we all agreed to band together and win.”
The leadership of these seniors was integral to the success of the team.
“My senior captains were outstanding this year,” Teicher said. “You know, between William, Owen and John they just did such a great job of being the leaders that they are.”
For senior captain William Morrow, this season gave him a voice to encouragesupport and improve the team.
“This year’s team means more to me, specifically for several reasons,” Morrow said. “First, I’m a senior, and it’s my last chance to leave an impact on the program. It means a lot to me that all the younger guys were willing to listen to us seniors and buy into a cause we’ve worked hard for.”
This cause permeated the team, concentrating its focus on a singular goal.
“Something that made this team special was how much we all wanted to win,” senior captain Owen Ackerman said. “There was no selfishness and regardless of whether somebody was on the bench or on the court.”
Part of what made the team so successful was the different leadership styles displayed among the seniors. For example, senior captain John Householder brings a quieter demeanor to the table.
“John’s been a court captain the last for years and everyone’s just really thankful for him,” Ackerman said. “Our coaches really trust him and his opinions, and he has an incredible understanding for the game.”
This season, senior Maddox Canham also moved into a leadership position, transitioning from a defensive specialist to an outside hitter and serving an instrumental role on the team.
“Maddox Canham was probably our most consistent player this year… he brings so much to the team,” Teicher said.
For senior Jacob Lobdell, volleyball has served a critical role in his life and will continue to do so during his collegiate career.
“(Volleyball) was instrumental in building self esteem and confidence at such an important time in his growth and development,” Lobdell’s father, Bruce, said. “And now, he has committed to going to Stevens Institute of Technology where he will study biomedical engineering and play volleyball.”
Building on this foundation of growth, Lobdell has adopted a philosophy focused on continuous self-improvement in his son’s development.
“I believe everyone should endeavor to grow and improve themselves physically, mentally, academically and spiritually,” Lobdell said. “Having healthy play and competition through sports during middle school, in my opinion, is vitally important.”