Girls Volleyball Captains Gear The Team Towards Success

Kennedy Girls Volleyball started the fall sports season, competing against other schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they elected new captains for the season. Each captain has their own responsibilities, tactics, and reflections after games. 

It is Diara Refuerzo’s  (12) first time being volleyball captain. Her tasks as a captain include keeping people informed and on track, while teaching incoming team members about unity and sportsmanship. “As a captain, I make sure to keep everyone informed, and on the same page on and off the court. I help younger players on the team experience how trust, respect, and confidence goes a long way to benefit themselves as a person and their volleyball careers,” Refuerzo explained. Vienna Canale ‘26, is the other senior captain for the volleyball team, this is her second year being captain for Girl’s volleyball, the first time being in Junior Varsity. Her role is to give or loss, but she makes sure the team stays positive. “I feel like no matter win or anything they come to me about,” Canale added. Refuerzo is responsible for making assignments, picking uniforms and using herself as an example to lead others. “Some responsibilities added [this year] were making the refereeing assignments, picking jersey and warmup shirt colors, and being a good role model for the team,” said Refuerzo. On the other hand, Canale focused more on communicating with her teammates. 

“Some responsibilities that come with being captain are having to be a voice for not only myself but for my other teammates. There is a huge amount of communication that  comes with being a captain as well as keeping the team motivated,” Canale described. 

Competing against other schools results in victories and defeats. Being the captains their mentality and  energy would affect the overall performance of the team. Refuerzo make sure that she does not get affected by anger or frustration. “After any game, I don’t feel anything becomes it varies . However one thing I will never let myself feel is anger. Anger isn’t beneficial towards anything and it can lead to more negative effects.” 

Izabella Velazquez (11), junior captain, reveals that the most chaotic part of the season was when their varsity coach was replaced mid-season, as team chemistry has to be reassembled. 

Velazquez also commented, “I feel honored to be a captain as a junior, and I feel like being a captain has pushed me to be the best teammate and player that I can be.”

Photo by Isabella Ponce | Refuerzo, Velazquez, and Canale assume captain responsibilities.