The Arkansas 6A State Volleyball Tournament was hosted at Wildcat Arena on Oct. 28-29. The volleyball team’s season ended in a 3-1 match against Conway, the No. 1 seed in the Central division. Junior Madi Bryant, middle hitter for the volleyball team was upset with the outcome of the tournament but not the team.
“I’m still sad we didn’t make it as far as we thought, but I think that we had a really good season,” Bryant said.
Having about 534 of your classmates watching you play in a high-stakes tournament can be a lot of pressure. Junior Adyn Simpson had nerves that she had to handle in order to stay calm.
“I think I handled it pretty well,” Simpson said. “At first, it was obviously nerves having to get the first couple points, but just looking around and being able to take in the moment and being with the people I love, playing the sport I love, really helped settle my nerves.”
The team has been working hard all season but that does not come without some difficulties. Simpson struggled with nerves but Bryant struggled with keeping a good mentality.
“It’s three long months, the biggest challenge would be just staying consistent with the mindset. You have to perform at your best every day,” Bryant said.
Hosting a volleyball tournament is no easy task, especially when you have your team playing as well. Cassie Loyd, head volleyball coach, was a big help in the preparation and organization of the gym’s setup.
“It was a bit stressful, to be honest, because there’s so many just little bitty details that need to be done,” Loyd said. “But you’re also trying to prepare and scout and practice and make sure your own team is prepared.”
While still pushing her team to success, Loyd had to also create a good environment for other teams to walk into. With the help of our athletic department, they were able to go above and beyond and keep the place running smoothly for the week. Despite losing the match against Conway, the Wildcats are grateful for such a great season and team.
“I never really thought that a volleyball team could mean so much to me because I came from a [team] with a really bad culture,” Bryant said. ”Everyone here loves each other so much, and it’s just different. People always say Har-ber volleyball is different, and it’s true.”
The season may be over but their impact on each other is not.
“We have six seniors, and as a coach, it’s just a dream to have the six we did,” Loyd said. “They are not only amazing volleyball players, but they’re amazing leaders, amazing people, and they just kept our chemistry and kept our culture really tight, and that’s something we take a lot of pride in.”
The volleyball team ended their season 4th in conference with a record of 10-6. According to the players and coaches, they are taking away a lot more than just a solid season.
“The seniors impacted their underclassmen in ways the underclassmen will never be able to repay them, not only on the court but as human beings,” Loyd said.