Captains of the Week: Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
Courtesy of @exetergvolleyball
By CARLY CANSECO and ANGELA HE
The girls’ volleyball team is arguably one of the most hyped, fascinating games at fall E/a. These girls are off to a strong start, winning their first two games at Hotchkiss and Tabor. As one of the smallest Big Red teams, this tight-knit group is often seen practicing in Love Gym or at Elm for team dinners. Three captains lead the team to success and through struggles. These captains, upper Clare McCann, senior Ellie Occampo, and upper Liv Lang, are vital to the girls’ volleyball team.
Tasks for the captains of any Big Red team consist of a wide variety of things. “Captains oversee team activities, leading by example, explaining culture, leading on the court, supporting teammates, cheerleading, bringing a positive attitude. And making teammates better as a player and person,” coach Bruce Shang said.
Joining the team as a prep, Lang discussed her experience, and how she has grown from then. “I think that coming in as a prep, I was kind of wide-eyed and a little bit of a deer in headlights. Now, I think I just gained a lot of confidence on the court.”
My prep year, we had three captains, and they had a different role on the team,” Lang continued. “I aspired to be like them. One day, in prep year, I thought, I want to be a captain. This is awesome.”
Despite joining the team as a new upper, Ocampo acknowledged her personal growth after she joined the team. “I’ve learned a lot about being a team player. I’ve learned how we celebrate each other’s accomplishments on and off the court. As well as how we play for each other, not for ourselves. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team as selfless as Exeter’s, so as a captain, I know it’s my job to speak up when something goes against our values and foster a healthy community.”
As the coach, Shang outlined their journey. “They are more confident every year. They communicate better with me and our assistant coaches,” he said. “They ask questions and answer teammates’ questions. They want to get better and say thank you for getting them better.”
Although it is early in the season, team members noted their appreciation for their captains. “They’re great, and you get multiple age and experience perspectives, and they balance each other well,” senior Aoibhe Mcnamara remarked. “Liv is energetic and brings the hype. Clare is more about organizing activities. They work well together, and everyone respects them and looks up to them.”
The underclassmen on the team described the captains as their role models. “I would say they lead by example,” lower Melody Ma commented. “Every practice, they work their butts off, put in all the effort. They come in early for extra reps and stay after for more extra reps, and their team spirit is contagious.”
The girl’s volleyball team is a well-knit group of girls, who have nothing but positive remarks for their captains, Lang, Ocampo, and McCann. Each captain has noted their experiences and growths that helped shape them to be the player and person they are today, and the roles they’ve taken on as captain.
“As a captain, it’s important to welcome the new players into this environment and encourage them to make strong connections,” Ocampo concluded. “Knowing I get to make an impact on these girls, and Exeter volleyball in general, is the best part.”
