Boys and Girls Varsity Volleyball (2023-2024)
By LILY RAMPE ‘26
The crowd roars as outside hitter upper Ellie Ocampo slams the ball into the ground to get another kill. The team huddles together with their arms wrapped around each other. A chorus of good jobs fills the huddle until the break apart, ready to win another point.
Exeter girls’ varsity volleyball had another amazing season, making it to the Class A Playoffs and ending with an 11-3 record.
Their season started with a 3-0 victory against Milton Academy in September. Senior and captain Sophia Dabney said, ““It was an amazing first step for us. We showcased our potential, and it’s clear that we have the talent and determination to make this season something truly special. It’s not just about the win; it’s about the growth, the learning, and the camaraderie that will define our journey.”
Ocampo agreed with Dabney. “The effort and energy on the court were amazing. It set the tone for what I hope will be a successful season. This team is going to be something special and has [some] big accomplishments ahead.”
Head coach Bruce Shang, discussed some of the games after the Milton victory. “The next game against Choate was an actual battle. 25-21, 25-23, 25-23. The games were high-action and stressful. We served tough and played great defense. Offensively, we had some great plays by Corinne Morrison, Amelia Byerly, Ellie Ocampo, and Clare McCann. We were able to slow down their Division 1 outside and squeeze out a tough victory.”
The team also has a great environment which has helped them stay positive throughout the season. Much of that is due to Dabney. ““I want [our] practice to be a time when everyone can forget about their stress and just be there and be happy…I send out a text every day to make sure that everyone knows what time the bus is leaving, what time team lunch is, what warm-up color to wear, and a lot of other small things like that.” Dabney said.
“[Team dinners] can be so relieving after a rigorous practice,” upper Stephanie Handte added. “Our conversations would vary from our classes to our favorite Mediterranean restaurants. I’m so grateful to be a part of the team.”
Lower Clare McCann added, “Our team dynamic is great. Everyone is very competitive,
but also very supportive, [so] we cheer each other on and work our hardest together.”
Through supporting each other, being competitive, and having a kind and welcoming team environment, the girls varsity volleyball team had a strong season and is ready for an even better one next year.
As for the boys’ varsity volleyball team, so far they are undefeated with a consistent three points in every game. Winning games against Choate Rosemary Hall, Phillips Academy, and Northfield Mount Hermon, they are dominating the NEPSAC league.
When asked about the team’s dynamic, upper Bodie Woods said, “It’s been going great. We’re currently undefeated, so everyone’s morale is really high, and we’re all getting along really well as a team.”
“The team is confident about our wins and successes,” agreed lower Robin Dao. “We’re hopeful that our strength carries us forward toward an undefeated championship.”
Coming up, the boys’ team will be playing in the NEPSAC tournament, where they hope to continue their winning streak and end on a strong note with another NEPSAC championship.
