On Wednesday, October 25th, Columbus High School’s varsity volleyball team concluded the 2023 season after the “Elite Eight” round of the GHSA state tournament. In the earlier tournament rounds, the Lady Blue Devils defeated Calvary Day and Cross Creek High School.
For this article, team captains Riley Yates (12) and Parker Young (12) share their thoughts on the 2023 CHS volleyball season.
To begin, the captains discuss the team’s performance during the final volleyball match.
“It is hard to express how incredibly proud of the team I am for their performance on Wednesday,” Yates expressed.
Yates recounted that the team was able to quickly adapt during the game, holding on to every point and fighting with enthusiasm. Although outside hitter and team captain Parker Young was absent from the court due to an injury, she still played a critical role in the game.
“As one of the team’s captains, I knew how crucial it was to lead the team despite my season-ending injury,” Young explains.
Yates asserts that Young “continued to lead from the sidelines and gave each player advice as to what [they] could do better.”
“I showed up to every practice and game [to] show my support and love from the sidelines,” Young recalls.
The dedication demonstrated by each team captain is attributable to the personal relationships the players developed throughout the season.
“This team is truly special” Young emphasizes, “our dynamic is full of support and trust, which builds a strong foundation for the team.”
Before the official season began, the CHS volleyball team participated in a summer camp at the University of Florida. There, the team members were able to develop their athletic skills and get to know each other more deeply.
Young and Yates agree that the summer camp was one of their favorite memories from the season.
“The bonding [at summer camp] began the journey for us all to grow as players and teammates with one another. We also talked about our goals for the season, and I know now that we all have striven to achieve those goals” Yates reflects.
Alongside Coach Carson Laye, the volleyball team earned more victories in the 2023 season than in the 2022 season. Such impressive progress is the product of Coach Laye’s guidance and the Lady Blue Devils’ hard work.
For the future, the CHS volleyball team continues to strive for the state champion title.
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