By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

One of the most intense and movement-based sports played at Hanover High School is volleyball. The Hawks volleyball team practices very hard and never gives up. Although they do not have the greatest win record, their strength and determination encourages others to fight for every point like they do. Whether it is the JV1, JV2, or Varsity, every member of the team loves playing the sport for it enhances not only teamwork and communication, but also makes them stronger.

“All season I have been impressed with the attitude in the volleyball program,” said Varsity Coach Colleen Smith. “Day in and day out, the girls come to practice looking to get better despite their records.”

Currently 2-10, the team has gone five sets in two nail-biter matches and has had several other close sets. “To me the record is no indication of the talent that is on this team and we really just need to get a win to get over the slump,” Smith said.

Due to the coronavirus the past two years, the team has had to play and practice with masks on. Even though it is a struggle, the players work through it. Every weekday after school, the girls practice in the gym, putting in as much effort as if it were a game. In addition, Varsity not only practices on Sunday nights, they wake up every Thursday morning to attend practice at 5:30 am. Talk about commitment! Even though they are tired those mornings, the team is eager and excited to play. Senior captains Lauren Salvas and Allie Calabro lead the team and encourage the girls to try their best and never give up.

“Our captains have set the tone this season and are not only vocal leads but also lead by example in practices and games,” Smith said.

The coaching staff, which also includes Coach Andrea Hurley and Coach Kate Manning, not only arrives at every practice with energy and motivation, but they also love what they are doing and help the team have fun while they are playing. With a few weeks left in the season, hopefully the team can pull off more wins and continue to have fun. 

Fast Facts

• Captains: Lauren Salvas and Allie Calabro
• Coaches: Kate Manning  (Jv2), Andrea Hurley (Jv1), and Colleen Smith (Varsity)
• Practices: Jv1 and Jv2 are every day after school, Varsity practices Thursday at 5:30 in the morning, Sunday nights and every weekday
• Record: 2-10
• Wins: Against Plymouth North, Silver Lake
• Photo Gallery in The Enterprise
• More pics
• Stats on MaxPreps