With a slow start to the season, North Atlanta volleyball is looking to finally hit its stride after stringing together a series of quality wins. Led by captains Lizzie Havey and Farren Phillips, the volleyball team is poised for a bounce-back year. In the 2020–21 season, the Dubs made state, but after a losing record the following season, that success feels like a distant memory. The volleyball team is hungry and ready to prove to North Atlanta and its competitors that they can get back to the promise land.
This year, like the rest of North Atlanta, volleyball has a new region. The new-look standings include some much tougher opponents than last year. The likes of Marist and St. Pius bring new and difficult opponents to overcome. “While the opponents are much closer in proximity, it is even more of an uphill battle now with the inclusion of private schools,” said senior Madeline Rowe.

After losing multiple seniors this past year, there was a hole in the team that needed to be filled in terms of leadership. Captains Havey and Phillips stepped up, unifying the team after chemistry issues plagued them last year. Havey, Phillips, and impact players Ella McCabe and Perrin Evertsen make up the heart of the Dubs team, having the most court time compared to any other unit. “After hard games, they help keep our spirits up,” said Rowe. “Their play on the court and leadership off of it reflects why they were chosen as captains.”

Last year marked a down year for the Dubs. Having made state the prior year, not making it out of the first round of the playoffs was disappointing to the team and its countless supporters. Fueled by their past performance, the girls look to improve chemistry and make a long run to state. The biggest flaw in their game currently is their serve receive, as they struggle to pass the ball after a serve after the opposing team’s serve clears the net.

Even with three new players, two transfers, and a freshman, there has been better chemistry and teamwork than ever before. The North Atlanta “rookies” have had a positive impact on the team. “They have given the team a much-needed boost,” said Havey. “Alongside our other key players, I think we have a chance at our goal this season.”

That goal is state, but it all starts with gradual improvement. Getting back to state is no easy task, especially with the increased competition, but the Dubs are ready for anything and anyone in their way. Confidence is at an all-time high under new head coach Laine Perno, who looks to take Warriors volleyball to uncharted waters. With different playstyles and practice routines, the volleyball team feels revamped for the season. Despite a lackluster 3-5 start, they have yet to play a region game where they hope to assert themselves as top dog.