In September, the Sacred Hearts Academy varsity volleyball team brought home the silver bracket championship after traveling to Long Beach, Calif. for a tournament that also included a team trip to Disneyland.

The team played a total of seven games during the tournament. On the first day, they won two and lost one game. The following day, they played four games and remained undefeated. 

Coaches said the trip was a great experience for the players to strengthen their bond and improve as a team. 

“We went into the tournament encouraging them to have fun and to play with no pressure,” Head Coach Agnes Brown ‘19 said. Playing with a relaxed but focused mindset guided the Lancers to their victory.

“Something else that gets us hyped is just being with the team,” senior Marissa Thompson said. “We’re all funny people, so once someone says something, we just get loud and rowdy—and that helps.” She emphasized the importance of having a close connection with teammates both on and off the court.

“We have to trust that everything we practiced will reflect, and so we focus more on just keeping the communication up and working together,” Brown said.

In addition to competing in the tournament, the Lancers also visited Disneyland. It was a first-time experience for several players, as well as coaches. 

The coaches hope to make these trips an annual tradition and eventually bring the junior varsity team along as well.

With new memories made and stronger bonds formed, coaches say, the Lancers returned home motivated for the rest of their season. The team hopes their California success will carry into future tournaments—and perhaps another championship run.