This season, Deerfield Academy’s Thirds Volleyball team maintained their undefeated streak of two years to achieve a third undefeated year.
Captain Fiona Van Nice ’25, a four-year member of the team, attributed the team’s energy to their winning streak. “Our team has so much energy and are excited to do anything,” said Van Nice, “…bringing the energy, that’s probably our strength and that’s thanks to our energetic freshmen.” She further emphasized that this spirit is fostered by the tight bond between the players. “It’s a really closely knit team,” Van Nice acknowledged, “and I think our inclusivity with every member on the team fosters a great team spirit, like team culture.”
One of the freshmen players, Maura Glynn ’28 remarked on the team culture that existed both on and off the court: “We just care, we care about each other,” she said, “and I think that we’re just a really fun team, and we know how to work together as a team so I think that our teamwork is really great.”
Additionally, Helen Yang ’28 from the team spoke to the bond she has with the team. “Overall we’re encouraging and it’s the communication between players that makes the team really tight,” she said. Furthermore, she expressed how the team’s empathetic culture promotes improvement and confidence in their players. “People won’t be mad at you if you mess up. They allow you to try new things, making me more positive about myself,” she said. Glynn further emphasized the impact of the team’s positivity on their athletic development. She said, “Before, I would only focus on the things I was bad at, but because of the good sportsmanship and community in Thirds Volleyball, they helped me focus on the things that I am good at too.” Recalling the recent game against Loomis, she reflected: “At first, we were really stressed and anxious, but we pulled through and got to our more positive selves again.”
In addition, the players are not solely responsible for these three years of undefeated seasons. The practices and effort that Science Teacher and Coach Cindie Fidanza as well as Math Teacher and Coach Andy Newlon have put in, the players collectively agree, have shaped the Thirds Volleyball team into the team it is today. “Honestly, I think our high record is in credit to Ms. Fidanza – the drills she gives us and she works pretty hard for a thirds team,” stated Van Nice.
Yet ultimately, it is the players’ efforts and determination to improve that have produced the team’s success. “Everybody puts effort into everything they do, and we still get frustrated if we get something wrong. We’re just not at varsity yet,” Glynn said.