The 2024-25 Girls Volleyball season has come to an end, and the scoreboard only shows half of the story. Throughout the season, the West team showed determination, and even though the results were not what everyone expected, the girls played their hardest to the very end.
“Since we lost the first round, it was bittersweet. The girls played their hearts out and left it all on the court, as a coach, that’s all I can ask for ”, said Head Coach Ms. Franklin.
Everyone was hoping for the team to go to the very end, but unfortunately, their season ended earlier. Although some people saw the light at the end of the tunnel and made the best of the situation.
“I think that we definitely had our struggles throughout the season, but it also could [have] gone so much worse. While we might not have had the best record, our team as a whole was really close, which just makes it so much more enjoyable,” said Sophomore Captain Lela Stinson.
During the season, every match had a moment that made everyone realize why they love playing the sport. Whether it was being with the team or a certain game, it all mattered in the end.
“One of the big highlights would be how we competed against O’Fallon and East. I felt like we played our best against those teams towards the end. The girls also became close on and off the court, so that was a big highlight to see how the sport is transferring off the court,” said Assistant Coach Ms. Braswell.
Besides being overjoyed by the highlights of the season, the coaches were also proud and excited for the 3 seniors who would be leaving the team to start their next journeys.
“A highlight of the season was definitely senior night! To celebrate the (3) seniors who have given their time, effort, and dedication to the program was an honor. They have definitely left their mark on the program and the future maroons to come!” Said Ms. Franklin.
For the seniors who are leaving, the hardest part will be saying goodbye to being part of such a connected team. Although for others who get to continue experiencing the wonders of West volleyball, they get to continue making friends and memories.
“My favorite part about being on the team is the friendships that I have made through it. Some of my closest friends are people that I have met from the team, and they all make the experience of being on the team so much better,” said Ms. Stinson.
The coaches are so proud of how this season went, but they are excited to see how next year will play out.
“ I think we are a young team, but I think we are a team that puts up a lot of hustle and a lot of fight. With our conferences changing[ by adding] Mascoutah, Triad, and Granite City, I’m looking forward to seeing how our non-conference games are gonna go…and I’m so excited to see how we compete alongside the best in the southern Illinois area,” said Ms. Braswell.
Nothing is a guarantee, and the West team and coaches are ready for the upcoming challenge they will be facing next season.
“My thoughts about next season are that it’s going to be tough!… Every match will be a fight, and nothing will be given! With us being in the Gold division of the conference, it’s going to require consistency at a high level. The goal is to compete with every team we face and give ourselves a chance to control our own destiny,” said Ms. Franklin.
Even though this season did not go as planned, the coaches and teammates made the best of the situation by honoring the seniors and making friendships. They are preparing for the 2026-27 season and are ready to fight for their position in the conference.
