The girls’ varsity volleyball team is fighting for a playoff spot this year after going 11-10 last season and securing a spot. This year, the girls are competiting in the highest division, now known as D4A, and are hoping to have the same success going into playoffs.

Varsity players Alleanna Thompson, Cashmere Buford, and Danielle Amonica are the leaders in hitting, digging, and blocking this season, and are hoping to take the team far again this year.

“To be competitive in the new division with the likes of Gorman and Bonanza… we are going to try and stay competitive with them,” said head coach Lisa Keith.

Star setter and hitter Danielle Amonica leads the team in kills, which is a successful point from a spike, tip, or dump. Amonica, who started playing soccer before becoming a volleyball player now serves as captain of the team. In addition to being a strong player, Amonica also looks to mentor the younger players.

“I look at her less of a team mate and more of an older sister,“ said teammate Brooke Robinson.

Winning, however, is not the only important thing to Amonica.

“Winning is nice but not as important as the growth and relationships with my teammates and coach.” she said. “I admire a hard working team that put their game faces on as soon as they step foot on the court and never take their team for granted, one thing that excites me the most when it comes to volleyball is getting the crowd hyped and my teammates pumped for a good match.” 

Amonica has recorded stats of 370 assists, 102 aces, and 210 kills Amonica is ranked 60 out of 9,167 high school girls who play volleyball for Nevada. Amonica has contributed multiple wins to her team and colleges such as University of Dallas, La Verne University, and McPerson college is something she is looking into.

According to teammate, Cashmere Buford “On a scale from 1 to 10, Danielle is a 10 and if I could describe her in three words it would be outgoing, funny, and hardworking.”

“Honestly, I think she’ll be scouted and play big time in college,“ said teammate Zoe Williams.

Although this  is Amonica’s last year as a player on the Grizzly court, many other players will remain behind to help the team.

Cashmere Buford who plays the libero position is leading the team in digs.

On October 7, the women’s volleyball team played the Bonanza Bengals who the team considers their all time rival.

“Bonanza is probably the hardest team skill wise to beat,” said Williams.

The team understands that it takes unity to win.

“One thing I have to say about the team is that we all work as a family,” said varsity player Camryn Vareen.

The addition of a new coach this season has also brought new conditioning, practice and work ethic to the team.

“With the help of our new coaches and old together, the volleyball program has improved incredibly,” said sophomore Brooke Robinson. “We have actually improved quite a bit this season.