Volleyball Glory Days
NEIRAD enilno edition
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The Darien High School Girl’s Volleyball Team could have their team picture next to the word success in the dictionary. The team has dominated the game in Connecticut since 1990. The girls have won 16 league titles over the past 19 years. For the fifth consecutive year the girls finished 25-0. The Blue Wave’s most recent accolade was a victory over Greenwich in the state championships.
Volleyball success has become inevitable in Darien. The girls have a 140-match winning streak. These teens work incredibly hard practicing 24 hours a week for six days. Saturday is their only day off, but they still have the option of elective practice.
“Even though practice is really long sometimes, the people that I’m with everyday make it seem so much shorter. No matter how tiring it is the atmosphere and the people surrounding me make it so much easier. The running gets strenuous but it helps keep us in the shape that we need to be in,” 17-year-old Chloe Drimal said.
16-year-old starter Phoebe Maglathlin, said each day is a learning experience to improve their serving, passing, setting and blocking. “We practice so much and we all put in such a great effort that it really does show with the record that we continue to maintain. Each day Coach has a different plan for us and teaches us something new everyday. Her attitude and strategy plays a critical part of our success. And I think it really pays off.”
Coach Laurie LaRusso is known simply as ‘Coach’ to her girls. LaRusso has been striving for excellence since she joined the program in 1981. By all accounts, LaRusso has been a great addition. She plays a huge role in the girls’ volleyball program. She puts in countless hours and her constant dedication make the volleyball team what it is today: a winning combination of athleticism, teamwork, coordination and a formidable work ethic.
The Blue Wave success is remarkable. 16-year-old player Lauren Miller revealed one secret to their success. “We sit lying on our stomachs around the middle circle of the gym and everyone states each of their individual/team goals for the game.” The recitation of specific goals helps the players maintain focus on a fixed plan of attack.
When asked if they loved volleyball, there was no hesitation. They all responded, “We love it, we have a great time out there!”
The Darien Girls Volleyball Team is certainly projected to continue to thrive for many years to come. With an undefeatable record the DHS Vballers are not going to budge anytime soon from the top spot.
