As a four year player for the Oak Park High School girls volleyball league champions, Hamsika Mariserla has been through a lot with the team. From the very beginning, Mariserla spent time creating memories, and it all came together and culminated in an exceptional senior season in which the team performed better than recent years.
“I’m a libero and defensive specialist,” Mariserla said. “I’ve really enjoyed this past season.”
Mariserla has been enjoying every moment she can, due to this being her last season.
“Knowing it was my last season was definitely emotional,” Mariserla said. “I wanted to soak in every practice, every game and every laugh because I knew I would not be able to do it again with this team.”
Being a part of one of this year’s team was especially important to Mariserla, given their success.
“This year’s team was so special because we had so much love for each other,” Mariserla said. “We supported one another no matter what and achieved so much together. From winning the league to our 16 game win streak, every moment mattered to me.”
The team made it far in CIF this season, and they were even given a chance in the state playoff bracket due to their strong performances. While they fell in their CIF semifinal game and their state game, both were still exceptionally formative for the team.
“A moment that really stuck with me this season was our loss in the semifinal game,” Mariserla said. “Even though it was tough, it meant a lot because our team’s connection was so strong this year and I truly loved everyone. It felt like a great way to end the season with this group, even if I was sad it was over.”
One thing in particular that Mariserla prides herself on is being a good model for the underclassmen on the team.
“I hope people remember our senior class for the mentorship, support and the heart that we provided,” Mariserla said. “We really cared about the younger players and leaving the team in a good place.”
As she reflected on her time on the team, Mariserla realized there was little she would do differently if she had to do it all over again. Still, she had one message for her younger self.
“I would tell my freshman self to always believe in myself and keep working hard,” Mariserla said. “Everything ends up paying off if you keep trusting your abilities.”
