Bump, set, spike is a familiar term to all athletes, but for Merit Academy’s first girls volleyball team, it was a practiced routine. With practices every day after school from 3-5 at the elementary school down the road, the girls had lots of time to laugh, work hard and enjoy one another's company.
“This was our first season and it was a great way to start off Merit's volleyball legacy. Everyone on the team did a tremendous job and showed great improvement,” commented Coach Christina Laymen when asked about the teams first year together. “We look forward to having many returning players next year and adding some new talent to our team.” The coaches this year put a tremendous amount of energy and time into helping the team get where they were. Miss Christina Laymen and Mrs. Jen Reber, or as the girls called them “Coach Laymen and Coach Rebs” were responsible for leading the team.
Merit's first volleyball team included Bianka Morales(freshman), Hannah Paz (freshman), Catherine Tukuafu (junior), EmmaLee Fox (junior), Kelsey Fletcher (sophomore), Kendra Fletcher (freshman), Sheree Benson (freshman), Sydney Reece (freshman), Stephanie Hureta (freshman), Nabila Gutierrez (freshman) and Obnette Woodward (sophomore). Also as a team working together, they had two team captains, Tukuafu and Kelsey Fletcher. EmmaLee Fox said, "Kelsey and Catherine were the best captains a team could have. They were always good examples by being on time to every practice and their volleyball skills were mad!”
Traveling to games all around Utah was something that everyone on the team enjoyed, (with the exception of Coach Reber). The group traveled to many places including Price, Rockwell, PCS, and Springville to play girls from all over Utah. One of the most exciting moments for the team was the victory over the Price's volleyball team, Pinnacle. Coach Reber remembered with a big smile, “It was a really fun year at practices and seeing everyone improve. I was so excited when we beat Pinnacle. Seeing the girls diving and serving the ball with all the power that they possessed was such a joy to see!”
Working hard and learning all they could, Merit Academy’s first sports team was proud to come home from the tournament with a third place trophy in hand. The season was full of surprises and many fun activities, and when it all ended, a few tears were shed. “We really bonded as a team and even now we miss volleyball,” Kendra Fletcher said about the team.
Looking forward to the next season, what the team remembers most fondly is the growth and friendships made all along the way.
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