Captain of the Week: Sophia Dabney

By ETHAN DING, KAI GOWDA, and ROXANE PARK

Senior Sophia Dabney poses for a photo behind Phillips Hall. Amelie Hespel / The Exonian

If you spot the girls volleyball team streaming into Elm Street Dining Hall, there’s someone you’ll never miss. Whether she is high in spirits or exhausted after a tough game, senior and captain Sophia Dabney’s infectious energy is always lifting her team up. Both on and off the court, Dabney’s unwavering support for her team has powered them through several wins this season, leading them to a current record of 9-2. Many of her coaches and her teammates agree that she is an irreplaceable force on the team.

The girls volleyball team has had a strong start to the season. They’ve played nine games so far, the majority resulting in victory, including assertive wins against Milton Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, and sister-rival Phillips Academy. This impressive winning streak was made possible by Dabney’s leadership and guidance.

Dabney has played volleyball for all of her three years at the Academy, starting on the junior varsity team as a new lower. Through hard work and dedication, she was able to qualify for the varsity team in her upper year, and eventually became captain her senior year.

“I was probably one of the worst players on the team at the beginning of my upper year since I didn’t have as much experience as everyone else,” Dabney said. “Throughout that year, I worked really hard and earned a starting spot. As a setter, I touched the ball every play, and through that, I gradually emerged as a leader on the team.” 

At the end of Dabney’s previous season, her team members unanimously voted for her to be this year’s captain. “It’s only me that’s captain [this year], which is pretty rare for the volleyball team,” Dabney said. “Last year, we had three amazing captains, and I really looked up to them for a variety of reasons. One important thing I remember is the amazing energy that they brought to practice and to games. When I think of how I want to lead the team, I want everyone to see me as someone they can always come to and someone [who] brings good energy, just as my captains did [in the previous year]. I hope that people respect me but also know that they can come to me for anything they need.”

For Dabney, being captain comes with the responsibility of fostering a good environment for her teammates, always and everywhere. “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. “I try to make sure that everyone has food before and after games, and I like to schedule team dinners for the team to come together and get closer.” 

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. “Sophia will often set up team dinners after tough practices, which helps us regroup, especially when we get frustrated,” upper Ellie Ocampo said.  “During preseason, the whole team went to coach Rowe’s house for s’mores and a fire. It was such a good bonding experience.”

“[Team dinners] can be so relieving after a rigorous practice,” upper Stephanie Handte agreed. “Our conversations would vary from our classes to our favorite Mediterranean restaurants. I’m so grateful to be a part of the team.”

Speaking on Dabney’s leadership, Handte continued, saying, “I believe having a supportive and hardworking captain is extremely helpful, and that’s exactly what Dabs does. No matter the circumstances, you’ll always hear Dabs’ words of encouragement on the court…What’s important is that not only is she a talented player, she’s a very genuine and likable person on and off the court.”

Thanks to Dabney, the team’s off-the-court bond is strong. Handte said that despite being a new upper, she felt immediately welcomed to the team by her captain. “I remember Dabs reaching out to me before preseason, which was such a simple yet kind act, and it created such a long-lasting effect. I will never forget that.”

“Our team dynamic is great,” lower Clare McCann echoed in agreement. “Everyone is very competitive, but also very supportive, [so] we cheer each other on and work our hardest together. Dabs is a great captain who strives to bond our team together and supports each of us. She talks to us individually when we are down on ourselves and helps us.”

“Bus rides, although long, are so fun,” McCann added. “No matter how the game goes, they are always so fun and full of laughter. We make so many memories on [the] bus rides.”

With the help of their strong relationships, girls volleyball has been a powerhouse on the court this season. “One of the biggest highlights from the season was our very tight game against BB&N (Buckingham Browne & Nichols Upper School),” Handte said. “The energy of the team was phenomenal. Everyone was so driven to get the next point, and every point was celebrated with jumping and loud cheers.” 

“Our Andover game was a big highlight from this season so far,” prep Melody Ma added. “We went to four sets, and they were all super close, but we pulled through at the end and won.”

Behind this admirable record lie hours of rigorous team training. “We are training hard to catch up on our fundamentals and communication to become a more complete team for playoffs,” coach Bruce Shang said. “Training has been more technical and tactical, but mostly we need to remember the game is fun.”

In addition to the training sessions, lower Liv Lang believes the team’s hardworking behavior and spirit also contribute to their success. “The team grows every practice and really epitomizes our motto ‘get better.’ You often see girls showing up early and staying late, getting in the extra work,” Shang said. 

Dabney’s coaches and teammates attested to her crucial role as a player, leader, and friend during demanding practices and games.

“Sophia is hard working and supportive on and off the court,” upper Anna Holtz added. “She brings energy and positivity to practice. Her authenticity and kindness has been beneficial to the team dynamic.”

“Sophia holds us to a high standard in practice every day,” Ocampo said. “She is so encouraging and has such a good presence on the court. She is our starting setter, so that definitely is leadership within itself.”

Shang agreed that Dabney’s presence on the court is crucial. “Sophia is the heart of the offense,” Shang said. “We will only go as far as she can lift us.”

With four games left in the season, culminating in the final game against Andover, the girls volleyball team is looking to finish strong. Under Dabney’s steadfast leadership, the team hopes to wrap off the season with a championship win under their belt. 

“My personal goal since the beginning of this season, since before we even got to preseason, was to win the NEPSAC championship. I think we have the caliber and talent to do it. So as captain, my goal would be for me to lead the team there,” Dabney said. “I believe that if we’re playing our best, we can win.”