This season has been defined by change for the girls volleyball team. Returning home to the familiar setting of the Lucco-Jackson gymnasium was expected to be the biggest change, but the bigger adjustments are caused by the gaps left by last year’s seniors.

With so many roles to fill, the team has leaned on its younger athletes and the guidance of returning players during their 2025-26 season.

“We are a very young team, and it’s been an obstacle to overcome,” senior Ciara Cunningham said. “However, everyone has adjusted very well and it’s great to see a lot of the returning, experienced players guiding and teaching the younger ones.”

Building chemistry has been just as important as winning for the team. Many of the players are still learning to work together, so the team has had to work harder to create a strong bond.

“The only major challenge we have this season is connecting with each other since we have a young team,” senior Savannah Ford said. “Many of us have not played with each other before so we have to figure out a way to work together.”

Despite the challenges of building chemistry among teammates, the players are excited to be returning to their home gym after a year of games at Liberty Middle School.

“It’s amazing to be back in our home gym. However, I don’t believe it’s changed our performance. We bring our energy, environment, and competition to every single match no matter where we are, that’s our strength,” Cunningham said.

The return to the EHS gym has also brought more students to watch the games.

“Our energy has been up, and we also have a larger student section,” Ford said.

Through all the obstacles this year, the team has been able to keep up a good performance. Winning 10 of the 14 games they have played in this season, the team is proud of their accomplishments so far.

“Our team has done very well so far this season,” Cunningham said, “It’s amazing to see the way everyone connects with each other, on and off the court. As amazing as it’s going, we’re always looking to improve and bring home some plaques to our school.”