The John Champe girls volleyball team has started the 2025-2026 fall season eager to get back on the court. Their latest game against Broad Run took place on Tuesday, September 16.
Although the team has opened this season with four consecutive losses, their resilience and determination never fail to stand out. The varsity, JV and freshman teams all played great games against strong competitors. Nevertheless, their contagious positive attitude changes their outlook towards the remainder of the season completely.
“We’re more focused on having fun than winning,” said JV middle hitter Sierra Richardson, “I love the friendly and supportive environment.”
Just the positive energy from her peers pushes her forward, like how the Freshman or Varsity teams watch them play and cheer them on. Richardson explained that the strong bond between her and her teammates makes playing this season all the more memorable. The support doesn’t stop there, the Knights are focused on lifting each other up during both games and practices. This practice of encouragement has created a powerful bond between teammates and a strong desire to strive for achievement that overshadows their wins or losses.
“My biggest inspiration is just trying to get better,” said Madison Archible, a JV setter and right side hitter, “It just suits me as a player, y’know?”
Archible played on the Freshman team last season and is now stepping into an important role on JV. Her hard work and focus on improvement have clearly been noticed by both her coaches and teammates. For players like JV defensive specialist Ele Amoyaw, volleyball is about more than performance, it’s about purpose and playing with meaning.
“I feel like my biggest motivation is playing the best I can, having fun, and playing for the glory of God,” Amoyaw said, “Helping my teammates grow makes every practice more enjoyable.”
The team is currently preparing for future games with a shared mindset of combined strength and collective efforts. With a focus on improving communication, building trust, and sharpening fundamentals, the Knights are ready to turn things around. Varsity leadership plays a key role in maintaining the team’s resilience. Defensive specialist Avani Domakonda says that the bond between teammates is just as important as any skill practiced on the court. This strong sense of unity and collaboration allows the team to communicate effectively and support each other both on and off the court, strengthening the foundation for continued growth throughout the season.
“You’re expected to be a part of the family, cheer for each other and bring each other up,” Domakonda said, “Because at the end of the day, we’re here to win.”
