Volleyball program attends a college level volleyball game

The Walnut volleyball program attended a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins versus University of Nebraska college level volleyball game on Friday, Nov. 14 in Pauley Pavilion. 

Forty five student athletes from frosh/soph, junior varsity and varsity level went to the game for the first time. This event was made possible after a successful double good popcorn fundraiser. With approval from athletic director Valerie Varela, volleyball head coach and math teacher Katie Meier was able to get enough tickets for the student athletes to experience a college level game with Division 1 (D1) players. 

“I wanted to find a fun way to spend the money where the [student athletes] can all spend time together but then also get some sort of volleyball experience. So I thought allowing them to see D1 athletes playing is not just a way to bring us all together again but to expose them to some really good volleyball,” Meier said. 

Since the Huskers are the number one team in college volleyball, many people wanted to attend the game. Although it was difficult finding tickets, Meier was able to get enough with the help of a sales rep. She hopes to continue this bonding in the future since it’s beneficial for both the program and herself. 

“I would definitely want to expose them to college level play. Also something that might be a little attainable, like Mt. SAC games or things like that. I do want to show them that there are opportunities after high school to play,” Meier said.

Part of the purpose for this event was to have fun and bond as a program for the last time. Playing the sport to watching a game in person was an exciting experience, especially learning from favorite D1 athletes. 

“I felt really happy to see how some of my favorite volleyball players [like Andy Jackson] played. I was really impressed [and] really surprised [seeing her play]. Watching it in real life was very different from watching it on TV since the movement was faster,” junior varsity middle blocker sophomore Brooklyn Houser said. 

Besides bonding with friends and teammates, the game was an opportunity for student athletes to learn from college level volleyball. Observing the skills each college player displayed helped student athletes grow and learn. 

“I learned how [the players] move on from mistakes quickly. Since the level that they play is higher, they play at a faster pace. I saw that they let go of errors that they [made] and focused on the next point ahead,” varsity opposite hitter senior Heidi Higa said. 

Overall, attending the game was very memorable since it allowed the team to connect and learn through a sport just by playing their sport as well.  Not only did a fundraiser make this event possible, but it also became a way to strengthen a community. 

“We had some families actually buy their own tickets. So to see them in the hallways and getting to see their daughter along with our program, I think knowing that we’re creating this family as a program was really fun,” Meier said.