The volleyball program at Interlake High School continued to make significant improvement throughout this season, building skill, character, and a sense of community. Every practice and game showed not only the athletes’ hard work but also the sense of community that they have fostered. For these players, volleyball is more than just a sport. “To me, volleyball is a key part of my life that I enjoy … and I can’t imagine high school without playing volleyball,” says Aadya Bommineni, JVC team.
Competition is what motivates each match, but it’s the friendships, laughter, and team bond that drives the teams to success. From practice to small bonding sessions before a game, each team has created an interconnected community.
Leah Chin, sophomore and captain of the JVC team, described the season as both challenging and rewarding. She explained that while her team played against tough opponents, each game taught them something new. “We’ve won a lot of games and lost a few,” she said, “but I think that’s just like a reminder to us that we should always be improving.” For Leah, what stands out most is the supportive environment — “I love our team,” Leah says, “Everyone’s just so nice with each other and we just all help each other to learn and improve all the time.”
Karelin Fuentes, senior and captain of the varsity team, shared a similar view, highlighting her team’s effort to maintain positivity and energy throughout the season. “The season is going great — our team works really hard to keep our energy up when we aren’t having the best game,” she said. “Something I appreciate about the team and the community I’ve built is definitely the friendships and laughter moments that we all share with each other.”
Chyler Fuhlman, senior and captain of the JV team, said her team’s season has been filled with growth. “The season is going really well! We were off to a rough start, but we quickly got back on track and we’ve been on a win streak ever since,” she said. Chyler noted the positive attitude and openness that her teammates embrace. “I appreciate that everyone is open to improvement. Nobody gets defensive when positive feedback is offered.”
This season has been about more than just winning games — it’s been about personal and collective growth as a team. Each player brings their own motivation and inspiration to the court. Adelina Yang, a sophomore on the JV team, expressed gratitude toward her teammates for their constant encouragement. “I’m really thankful for my teammates,” she said. “We play really well together, and they’ve supported me so much throughout my volleyball journey.”
Across all three levels, these players have grown and are continuing to do so — not only as athletes, but as individuals learning to work together. All three captains noted that the best part of the season has been the team’s unity and effort, regardless of results. “By the end of the season, I really want to improve as a group and just also keep up the hype at the end of the season,” Leah says.
Behind every strong team is a coach who believes in their players and helps them grow. The head volleyball coach of the varsity team at Interlake, Coach Mitchel Bio, has helped these players develop throughout the season. “The season has been going really well. We’ve faced some tough competition, but the team has shown a lot of growth and resilience. Each game has been a learning experience, and we’re continuing to get better every week,” Coach Mitch said.
He added that “everyone has made noticeable progress — not just in skill, but in teamwork, communication, and confidence.” For Coach Mitch, that growth has been the most rewarding part of the season.
Looking ahead, Coach Mitch hopes to carry the same spirit through the final stretch of the season. These last few weeks are about leaving everything out there and enjoying the time we have together as a team,” he said.
Coach Mitch’s guidance and support have been one of the key factors in improving not only the varsity team’s skill but also the supportive culture that makes the program successful.
For these athletes, volleyball is more than just a commitment or a sport. It’s a game where they can practice, celebrate wins, and continue to improve. As the Saint’s volleyball program looks ahead to senior night and the last game of the season, one thing is certain: the end of the season will not change the love for the sport and the team they have built. “Interlake Volleyball is the best sport. Yep. Everyone should join,” says Leah.