Wingspan: When and why did you start playing volleyball?
Raymond: “I started playing volleyball the summer after first grade. My friend’s mom started a small recreational team with some girls from my elementary school, and since then, I’ve never looked back.”
Wingspan: What is your favorite part about volleyball?
Raymond: “My favorite part of volleyball is the team. It is so fun to build relationships with the people you play with and form friendships on and off the court.”
Wingspan: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Raymond: “My biggest inspiration is to be better than I was yesterday. Each day I go into practice focusing on what I want to improve on and try my hardest to leave having achieved that goal.”
Wingspan: How have you been preparing/practicing this season?
Raymond: “We have been working very hard this season to get to where we are right now, and to get as many rounds deep into playoffs as possible. We have practice six days a week and watch lots of film on our opponents before each game and on our own time.”
Wingspan: What is your goal for this season?
Raymond: “My goal for this season is for us to all end on a high note and feel proud of what we have achieved as a team and personally.”
Wingspan: How has volleyball impacted your life?
Raymond: “Volleyball has become a huge part of my life. I play inside and outside of school, meaning that there is very little off time. I have met some of my best friends through volleyball and have learned many life lessons like time management, the ability to be coachable, and many more through volleyball.”
Wingspan: What has been your biggest challenge that you have had to overcome playing volleyball, and what is one that you still face?
Raymond: “My biggest challenge that I have had to overcome is probably adjusting to the pace of varsity vs sub varsity volleyball. Varsity is a whole different game compared to JV and for me, it took a while to adjust to that. Right now, I still am working really hard to better improve my block and be more aggressive at the net. It can be really hard to read the ball and know who the set is going to, while also knowing when to go up to block, and I feel like that is a big challenge for me right now, though I am getting better.”
Wingspan: What are you excited about this season?
Raymond: “I am very excited to make it to the playoffs this year. I can’t wait to see how far we go and hopefully make it to state.”
Wingspan: What are your future plans for volleyball?
Raymond: “I hope to play volleyball in college and am starting the recruitment process. As for school, I am excited to go into next season and continue playing for Redhawks volleyball.”
