The Unbreakable Bond of the Varsity Volleyball Team: Emma, Ashlyn, and Kora Share Their Experiences

The Varsity Volleyball team celebrating and cheering with Dr. Strickler.

Photo Credits: Charlie Stumb, Watauga Yearbook

Jillian Studebaker, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

The women’s volleyball team has recently found itself in the spotlight, as a result of their consistent wins and progression through competition. Continuing this winning streak, senior player Emma Pastusic placed 5th in North Carolina for her number of kills. This has been an amazing accomplishment for her and her team. 

“I’ve been kind of looking forward to my senior year and just getting 1000 kills,” said senior Emma Pastusic. “That was a really big mark and it feels good. I keep getting better and playing better and same with the team.”

Pastusic’s recent success has led to even more recognition for the team. Recent posts on social media have highlighted the girls and their victories. The team is supportive of each other on and off the court. Their true advantage in competition is their bond and community with each other. 

“Our team is really close this year,” said Pastusic. “In the past couple of years we’ve been kind of cliquey in a way, but this year everyone's really close. Everyone loves each other.”

Pastusic’s leadership serves as inspiration to the team as a whole. In turn they have been exceptionally supportive of her and her recent accomplishments. 

“I think she’s definitely a vital part of our team,” said junior Ashlynn Smith. “Not only is she really good at hitting and getting kills and seeing the court but she's also a leader and a great person to look up to.”

The team works hard to bring recognition to their sport, but most importantly, they support each other through individual and team-oriented victories.

“I love that it’s a team sport and not all the pressure is on you,” said Kora Knight, senior on the team. “I love being around the team and being so close to everyone.” 

Each girl is also proud of the work they put in to get to where they are today.

“My greatest achievement personally was probably when I was on the Taga Blue Volleyball team freshman year,” said Smith. “And then sophomore year I was a Varsity Starter, so I would say my greatest achievement was going from the freshman team to varsity because it displays my drive and passion.”

The drive and support from each other encourages the team to play their best. It helps bring a sense of confidence to the girls when they go onto the court to compete. 

“We always have each other's backs,” said Pastusic. “There’s never a point where we’re against each other but at the same time we do have competition on the team. Everybody’s trying to do their best and everyone has the same competitive spirit.”

An important element when working with people is having each other's backs. It helps others to push through when it gets hard and strengthens relationships within teams. Overall, having a good relationship with your teammates can take you further in your sport.

“Everyone is a big family,” said Knight. “We love each other and love hanging out.”