By FRED KRONER
fred@mahometews.com
Oakwood High School’s volleyball program always has a guaranteed captain, though the person’s name is not known until some of the positions are secure.
“My setters are usually the captains,” veteran coach Lynn Anderson said.
Besides that, Anderson looks to leadership from her seniors.
“It is important that the leaders I designate are on the same page with me and by the time they are seniors, they usually are,” Anderson said.
The Comets’ leaders this season will be sophomore setter Karsen Rupp and senior hitters Alyssa Romito and Katelyn Young.
“Being a captain means that you have to be a role model and set a good example for your teammates,” Rupp said. “One of my responsibilities is to be available to help my teammates if they have any questions. I hope I can encourage people to do their best.”
Romito can draw upon the examples set by the team’s veterans from previous years.
“I see my role as being someone everyone can look up to and ask questions if they don’t understand,” she said. “I plan on being the energizer of the team. I want to make this year fun for everyone.
“I have learned that older people on the team need to help maintain a hard-working environment during practice and help the team become better as a whole.”
Rupp said she will do whatever it takes.
“I am a fun person who is not afraid to dance or act silly to make others happy,” said Rupp, who has had good role models.
“My previous captains had great attitudes and helped our team succeed. They were great teammates and played hard and had fun.”
Young said the team leaders won’t necessarily have the same roles each day.
“Be the person my team can count on when times get tough,” Young said, “and be someone who knows where everyone should be and be able to give advice and encourage people at the same time. Also, someone who steps up when the team is struggling.
“Sometimes you have to be the cheerleader and sometimes you have to be the bad guy. You need to find a balance between the two that works best for the team as well as each individual.
Anderson said her two seniors both have a passion for competition.
“Katelyn walks the talk,” Anderson said. “She is just so naturally talented. So, being a senior and being a great athlete, sets a super example for the rest of the team. She encourages and is positive in her criticism for the youngens.
“Alyssa has developed into a great leader also. She loves the game, has fun playing and also encourages and directs. They both are right on any directions given and help set up any drills or rotations. They play hard.”
Off-season workouts enabled the Comets to develop their camaraderie.
“This summer helped me to grow relationships with the younger girls and work with them in the weight room,” Romito said. “This allowed me to encourage the girls at all times and make sure they were putting the work in because hard work pays off.
“This summer as a team we became stronger and developed close relationships with each other.”
Participating in a summer league at Danville Area Community College enhanced the transition for Rupp.
“We saw what we had to work on,” Rupp said. “We had weightlifting and open gyms this summer.
“All of that work helped us to play together as a team.”
Young is a multi-sport standout who has a fondness for volleyball.
“I love the intensity and environment of the game,” Young said. “I love the bond that you create between your teammates that you don’t get in everyday life.”
Romito has made adjustments as she has grown with the program.
“Off of the court I tend to be very quiet and reserved,” she said. “However, on the court I have learned to be very outgoing and make people excited.
“I have grown into a leader a lot over the summer by just having the added responsibility of being the oldest and having a very young team.”
Personality-wise, Young said she is similar to Romito.
“I consider myself a reserved person and more of a leader by example,” Young said. “This year, I will need to become more vocal and step outside of my comfort zone.”
Anderson said Rupp will benefit from having Romito and Young as teammates.
“She will be one to call the toss as a setter and hopefully the leadership of the other two will rub off,” Anderson said.
Rupp said she is fixed on seeing improvement as the season continues.
“Of course, our goal is to win games,” Rupp said. “I would love to see us continue as County and conference champs again this year. Ultimately, I want us to continue to improve as a team and be better than we were at the beginning of the season.
“We are a fairly young team, but we have been working hard and will definitely surprise a few people.”
Rupp’s playing time will increase this year.
“Our main setter graduated last year, and I had to step it up,” she said. “It has been a lot of work, and I still have a lot of work to do, but I am up for that challenge. My experience last year has helped me to grow.”
Romito welcomes the arrival of volleyball season.
“Volleyball is a time for me to just have fun and let loose,” Romito said. “I love the aspect of how everyone bonds together and works as a team.
“I am very excited to play volleyball this year and I can’t wait to see what the year will bring us.”
Young said it’s not a stretch to say it’s a treat playing on a team coached by Anderson, who is often referred to by her longstanding nickname.
“I get another year of Juice’s banana bread,” Young said.
