The Pacific Press

The Orca Varsity volleyball team represents not only athleticism, but also teamwork, dedication, and school spirit on and off the court. Currently, the Orcas are on a three game win streak, with their overall season record at nine wins and five losses. As momentum builds, the team continues to showcase their skills and determination as they head into the end of the season, with their highly anticipated Senior Night set for October 1.

With Senior Night approaching, the team is preparing to honor seniors Gabriella Malahoo, Erika Quarterman, and captain Jada-Joyce Houston. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup against Pinecrest Lakes Prep, filled with passion, school spirit, and plenty of emotion as the Orcas celebrate their upperclassmen.. In their interviews, players emphasized the importance of strong communication and bringing energy to every game, something that, as Nelsi Bueno puts it, is key to the team’s success. Beyond that, our Orcas hope to finish the season off on a high note and make their final games truly memorable. 

With all this emotion and spirit, how does the team’s success actually come together? According to Coach Talmadge, it starts way before the first serve, with the Orcas putting in work during practices and committing themselves to constant improvement. She also emphasized the team’s adaptability, noting that “Some last minute adjustments have had to be made due to unexpected absences”. Despite the challenges the Orcas have persevered with resilience and focus.

For the success of the team, each player brings a unique role. As captain, Jada Joyce Houston stands out not only for her leadership, but also for her vibrant personality. Known for her loud, positive energy, she lifts the spirits of those around her and keeps her teammates motivated. What motivates her, though? For Jada, it often comes down to her game day playlist. In her interview, Jada shared that listening to Climax by Usher before games gets her hypes and ready for the court, she even recommended that others give it a listen! 

Beyond their captain, three key players highlight the importance of roles on the court. As libero, Emily Xiao anchors the defense, a role she describes as both an honor and a privilege. Wearing the libero jersey, Emily explains that being a libero comes with “big responsibilities”, as she constantly finds herself leading the defense and making crucial saves that can change the momentum of a game. As setter, Arshee Jiwani takes on the role of playmaker, focusing on the precision of her sets and quick decision making to keep the offense running smoothly, and her outsides in positions to score. Speaking of outsides, Nelsi Bueno embodies the role with her emphasis on energy and motivation. With her bright personality, Nelsi pushes her teammates to stay focused and hyped, knowing that keeping the team’s energy high is just as important as scoring points. Together, Emily, Arshee, and Nelsi showcase how skill, strategy, and energy help our Orcas achieve success on the court.

From Jada’s leadership to Coach Talmadge’s guidance and each player’s dedication, the Orca Varsity Volleyball team showcases teamwork, passion, and school spirit. As the season comes to an end, their commitment to their sport and to one another continues to inspire all Orcas and the entire OSS community.