Yes, it’s a little town, a little school, and a little team. But, Tuxedo has one heck of an all girls volleyball team! The team is dynamic, tenacious, and true warriors. They teach what being a team member is all about. This team is BIG and can never be looked at as little!
In volleyball you need 6 players on the court. The Tuxedo varsity team has 7 players. Most of the opposing teams have 12 players or more. This means the opposing teams will always have the advantage of fresh players to alternate through-out the game. The Tuxedo team, if they are lucky to have all 7 players at every game, only has 1 player to alternate in and out. You can see as the games proceed the energy and strength depleting from players. The high-light of this point however, is that is NOT an advantage for the opposing team, the Tuxedo Tornadoes always seem to have extra charging banks in their back pockets.
The Tuxedo varsity volleyball team leaves daily issues behind when they enter the court. The team melds as one when they begin practice and set-up for the game. It is amazing to watch the players communicate with one and other on the court, as well as the constant embrace of each and every play they make. Even when there is a missed play, even when the team loses a point, they all rally around and find new energy to continue the battle of the game. They work together, as a whole, as a team, and all of it with supportive great spirit.
Behind the team are two fantastic coaches, Ms. Hines and Ms. Schweitzer. Each actively participate in warm-up and instruction, giving specific guidance of shots or adjustments to players. Their communication is on point, they are strong coaches and push the team to its limits with the knowledge that they have full trust of their players and in their players, this is evident. The team members understand the language and tonal values being used and respond accordingly. We can actually see the comfort and reinforcement the members receive from the sounds and signals sent by these two extraordinary coaches. They not only hold each player dearly they are the great force behind the reason the team works so well together. Ms. Hines brought the varsity team in 2016 and 2017 to the Final Four, so we know she knows how to build and work towards championships. But it seems to be the wonderful experience for the team players that are at the heart of Ms. Hines and Ms. Schweitzer’s drive.
During the game you will hear rallying cries from teammates of encouragement, you will see special winks, pointers, or suggestions coming from the coaches. You will see fellow classmates in the stands lending support, and you will see teachers, parents, and relatives cheering the team forward. The team has lost games, usually with a score of 24 to 25, making sure to work the opposing team hard before gaining the winning point. The team is unrelenting. The upshot is that everyone expects this unsuspecting team to lose and yet in most cases they win!
I say bring it on, this team gives it’s all without any regrets. The Tuxedo girls are crushing it!
The Tuxedo varsity team’s current record is 11-4 (8-1 in Division). This coming Monday, October 25, 2021 at 6 PM will be a big (league) game. Come out and support the varsity team, or come a little early and watch the junior varsity at play, they begin at 4:30 PM.
On a community level and educational level, having extracurricular activities improves attendance and academic performance. The school in a small community is a great component of identity, this being most evident with sport teams. It is a great way to have a common connection and enthusiasm for the community. When the community shows up and supports the school, the school gains as well as the students. The school becomes stronger. When the school becomes stronger, the town and community becomes stronger.
References:
https://ilsr.org/jack-and-giant-school/