Independence Girls Volleyball Season 2020-2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high school sports were under question to ensure the safety of staff and students. Independence chose to go along with the 2020-2021 Volleyball season led by Coach Michelle Monaghan, and benefited from it, as the season went very well.

The Independence Varsity volleyball team had an amazing season this year with a record of 14 wins and 2 loses this was the farthest the team has gotten in 20 years. Senior Co-captains Railey Dykstra and Anaya Rodriguez were determined to ¨ have good communication and leadership on and off the court.¨ Their leadership not only showed through the 12 girls winning the 5A Central Championship, many of the girls including Dyksyra and Alejandra Ramirez Daniela Garcia Navarrette all have above 4.0 weighted GPA. Motivation was key this year, and across the board both the players and the coaches were determined to make the most of the season. 

Corona Virus has impacted students in many ways, from online learning to sports. The try-outs for the 2020-2021 season were ¨tough¨ according to Coach Michelle Monaghan . She explained that the girls were separated in groups in order to maintain the right amount of people in the gym at once. Obviously with COVID-19 safety precautions regarding sanitation were important. Players were required to wear a mask at all times, and cleaned the volleyballs every 15 minutes. As well as practice going no longer than two hours. Coach Monaghan took pride in being ¨one of the safest schools¨ during games. Although the girls had trouble becoming accustomed to the new rules, with time they became comfortable and thrived. With Corona still being a threat, Coach feels they are more prepared for next year if it remains an issue.

 For next season, Monaghan is aiming to increase their status. They will improve to compete at varsity level, and are looking forward to rebuilding the team, as 10 of the 12 girls were seniors this year. The season this year relied on the players ability to have ¨ talent, experience and hard work¨. Many were thankful for their last season to go as well as it did.