Oak Park High School’s girls beach volleyball team is preparing to bring their A-game this season. With a majority of their team graduating last year, the Eagles are sporting a fresh lineup.
“This year the girls are so great and I know we will all achieve great things,” sophomore Samantha Liba said. “We are all so skilled, competitive and ready to win so I really see a bright future for this program.”
The Eagles face a setback this year—they cannot practice at the beach.
“Because of the fires, we aren’t able to practice on the beach right now. We only have like one court,” junior Sofia Kozikaro-Sanchez said. “We’re practicing at Bowfield instead of at the beach. Hopefully, we’ll be back at the beach soon.”
The girls beach volleyball team continues to work past the obstacles by developing their mental strength.
“It’s just you and your partner, and coaches are not allowed to speak to you during a game, so being able to play with confidence, leadership and strong communication and learning how to use each challenge as an opportunity is so important for you and your partner’s success,” senior Natalia Galstian wrote.
They aim to improve as players and become stronger as a team, as well as winning tournaments.
“I really hope we make it to CIF this year,” Liba said. “I know we can.”
Girls beach volleyball is ready to soar through this season. Come see the girls play other Coastal Canyon league teams at their first tournament on Feb. 15.
