While most North Atlanta students were sleeping at 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, the North Atlanta volleyball team was arriving at school to prepare to host – and win – the APS Championships. It was the second successive time the Warriors won the district–wide tournament.

On this noteworthy Saturday, the team won five straight matches without dropping a set on route to the city title. The impressive string of wins included victories over Washington, Carver, Coretta Scott, Grady and Drew. The resounding win was a great way for the Warriors to top off a hard season after rigorous competition and more than a few region losses against powerhouses like Alpharetta, Cambridge and Dunwoody. This season, the team played in a new region, the highly competitive 6-A Area 7 region. “We definitely held our own and really grew and progressed this year,” said junior captain Arielle Lestandie.

Junior captain Adenike Makinde said the heightened competition during the season meant for even more team bonding. “We just kept the mindset to play harder and not giving up despite adverse outcomes,” she said.

North Atlanta’s district-wide championship crown added to spirit that animated the team throughout its season. The team is coached by language arts teacher Star Brackin, who is helped by community coach Jennie Metz.

Players and coaches said the APS championship was the culmination of a lot of effort. “There was so much energy and enthusiasm on the court and that led us to our victory in the tournament,” said senior captain Emma Muckenfuss.

The season officially ended for the Warriors on October 4 when they were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. All season long, much was learned and adjustments were the norm as new team leaders emerged. But no matter what, teammates held each up other up and competed with all their hearts. “It is sad to see this season end, but I know the team will come back much stronger next year,” said Muckenfuss.