New year, new season, new coach, but no new teammates. Heading into my first preseason training camp session at the end of August, the situation seemed bleak. Not having enough players for a full team, and having just been notified before camp began that we had a new coach, my teammates and I feared our season might be over before it even started. However, despite our reservations, the five volleyball players eagerly awaited a week of intense training with friends and bonding over our upcoming season.
We were greeted at the bus stop to camp by our new assistant coach, Grigoriy Agrest. He explained that the head coach, his father Joseph Agrest, would not be attending camp this week, but Grigoriy intended on covering a lot of ground. With the anticipation of an exhausting week, I settled in for the bus ride to Camp Seneca Lake in Honesdale, PA. When we arrived at the campgrounds, I was surprised by the beautiful accommodations and the array of athletic equipment provided: There were more basketball courts then I could count, an outdoor and indoor pool, outdoor volleyball courts, a beach volleyball court, soccer fields, and tennis courts. My expectations were beyond exceeded and the week had barely begun.
As practices began, we were not surprisingly, very sore and tired. Our day started way before breakfast, and aside for a couple hours after each meal, our training wasn’t over until after dinner. Each day was filled with four to five practice sessions. Having so few players was difficult, and it was difficult becoming accustomed to having a new coach. Nevertheless, we were determined to have fun off the court, and although our bodies were aching and were exhausted, my teammates and I spent our nights socializing with each other and our fellow Yeshiva University athletes.
After five grueling days of drills and exercise, and a lot of team bonding, I left camp confident that we would survive the season, and I have not been disappointed. The number of players continues to increase. Although we have yet to cease a ‘W’, week after week the core girls who began the season, along with many new players, continue to push ourselves to our limits. We motivate each other when we’re down, and celebrate the small victories, and we hope to build a stronger program in the weeks to come. Knowing that before the season began that the odds were against us, I am amazed by this team’s will-power. I am confident we will continue to work and drive through this season.