By Tyler Senner, Sports Editor
Recently, the Moreau Catholic girls’ volleyball team wrapped up their season, after finishing with a 17-20 win-loss record. But this year was a bit different for the community, as it was the first time current students have seen social justice teacher Jerico Abanico coaching girls’ volleyball.
“I’ve coached the girls’ varsity team six years ago, but this is my first year back with the program,” stated Abanico. Though it isn’t his first season ever to coach girls’ volleyball, it was different this year, as he “Came out with a different mindset.”
Though this season wasn’t smooth sailing from the start, as he had to help build a stronger community in the team, Abanico says, “There were a lot of times where I felt that the team struggled in that aspect [Community wised], and that was my main goal this year, was to try to bring them as close as possible together, and to see what could come about them.”
With good camaraderie, excellent results come from it. “They ended up being third in the league this season, which is the highest they’ve been in a while. They went past the first round at NCS, and even beat the first seed of NCS during their quarterfinal matches. And we ended up being fourth in NCS this year…It is the highest they’ve ever been, so it’s been a record breaking moment for them” Mr. Abanico excitedly announced.
When thinking about the future of the program, especially with Mr. Abanico as head coach, we expect more of an audience and hype around the program.
“I think there’s more of an excitement”, noted Coach Abanico. “I think the girls are now ready and trying to work out more for upcoming years, and they’re seeing their capabilities and what the new class has to bring”
Moreau Catholic has had an amazing past with volleyball, and hopes that legacy continues as years go by.
“Moreau has been a destination for volleyball, whether it be for girls or boys. A lot of people went there for that. So I think we’re starting to see that element come back”
Though it was Mr. Abanico’s first year coaching girls’ volleyball in 6 years, “We’re looking to just continue its continuous path and ride the wave with it, so to speak.”
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