By Christopher Samuel ‘26 (Assistant Editor)
Linton Gym has served as a home for many activities over the years — basketball games, Club Fair, assemblies, and more. The multi-functional space has become integral to FCS. This year, it is also home to the girls volleyball team, a budding group of student athletes and the newest addition to the roster of Friends’ Central sports.
FCS volleyball was started this year by Sofia Bagarazzi ‘26, a volleyball player since the age of three, and managed by Victoria Hailey ‘27, both of whom were interviewed for this article. Although the team is new this year, support and advocacy for having such a team have been around for many years. There have been previous attempts at creating such a team, and Sofia herself was first struck by the idea in freshman year. After the past endeavors, the girls volleyball team finally came to Friends’ Central this year as a fall sport. The team’s formation was catalyzed, according to Sofia, due to her wishing there could be more fall sports options and feeling that volleyball represented a gap in the choices. As the second most-played American girls high school sport, it is undoubtedly a fixture across the nation. Apart from that, Sofia also feels passionate about it. Volleyball connects her to other family members who participate in the sport, and now she can play in an official capacity at Friends’ Central.
The volleyball team, though it's new, is already off to a great start. The volleyballers have a victory under their belt, and they are well on their way to becoming a strong team and tight-knit community. Sofia and Victoria agree that everyone is putting in maximum effort, developing a good team environment, and learning each day. Indeed, when asked their favorite things about the sport, both named the community bonding, team spirit, and coming together to help each other in games to score points and defend.
Overall, girls volleyball at FCS had a great first season. They played several matches, formed cross-grade ties, grew team culture, and established a strong foundation that will only be expanded upon in the coming years. Welcome, girls volleyball!
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