This fall, 7th and 8th grade sports had a record number of tryouts, and, thus, a record number of cuts. The team with the largest amount of tryouts and cuts was the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams.

When asked about the increase of attendees, Head Volleyball Coach and Athletics Coordinator Nicki Holmes spoke about the increasing popularity of the sport.

“I think so many students tried out because volleyball is popular,” Holmes said. “It is the second most growing sport and I think people are intrigued by it.”

This past fall, 49 students tried out for the Middle School volleyball team and 21 got cut, with 14 people making the higher division purple team and 14 making the white team. The tryout process lasted three days and included individual feedback and skill measurement for each prospective player, ultimately ending in an email sent out at the end of the week with information on the teams and future opportunities.

Holmes expressed his dedication to still giving those who got cut a future with the sport.

“Our ability to give [those who were cut] an opportunity to train and learn more is an important part of this process,” Holmes said. “The experience alone of trying out is a good thing, and to be able to put yourself out there is a practiced skill.” 

Holmes also said that the process of being cut from the team impacts different on each student. For example, Middle School student Maya Fischer ’29 recalled her experience being cut from volleyball in 7th grade and ultimately leaving the sport.

“I think getting cut from the 7th grade volleyball team was what made me eventually leave the sport,” Fischer said. “I was dedicating a lot less time towards volleyball and started doing other activities.”

On the other hand, some students do not give up after being cut and dedicate time and effort to try out the following year.

Looking towards the future, the Athletics Department wants to create more opportunities for students interested in a sport who are not on the purple or white teams. Athletic Director Brandon Lincoln spoke about these opportunities and his excitement for the 7th and 8th grade

sports teams.

“The athletics department is trying to find avenues to keep kids engaged and motivated, whether that be through skill-building opportunities or clinics outside of an official team roster,” Lincoln said.