There are only seconds left to spare on the buzzer as the eager fans on the stands are waiting in anticipation. In the midst of it all, the Langley varsity field hockey team skillfully maneuvers the ball and swiftly drives it into the goal, claiming victory on their senior night. All the usual fans had the chance to experience the thrilling moment; yet there was one group of people in the stands that seemed unfamiliar in the sea of fans, screaming and cheering at the top of their lungs: the Langley varsity volleyball team.
After the field hockey team’s big win against Marshall, the volleyball team took off toward the field to congratulate the champs. “Once we got back from our away game, we sprinted to the field and cheered them on for their shoot off then stormed the field when they won,” said Jenna Dean, senior varsity volleyball captain.
During the fall season, the varsity teams became unmistakably close, making a pact to support each other in every way they could. “There is so much connection between the two teams because we are both athletic girl sports that aren’t as widely understood by people,” said Brittony Trumbull, sophomore varsity field hockey player. It may be true that Langley students tend to go to football games during the fall, but that doesn’t mean there’s less support for the field hockey and volleyball teams.
The teams’ camaraderie has grown throughout the season in part because of their similar busy schedules. Varsity field hockey coach Jennifer Robb weighs in, “We keep similar schedules coming back early in August in the heat, working hard as the school year begins to juggle academics and athletics.”
The varsity field hockey team returned the favor of the volleyball team by being at the team’s senior night against Stone Bridge. Cheering on the volleyball team, the field hockey girls proudly held up a bright green sign with “Field Hockey Loves Volleyball” displayed on it. “For their senior night, we wanted to show that field hockey appreciated how they supported us,” said Rosie Mahoney, senior varsity field hockey captain.
The volleyball team’s motivation soared with the cheering of the field hockey team, resulting in an impressive win against Stone Bridge that had not been achieved since 2007. “Any time you get that kind of positive emotional boost it helps your performance,” said varsity volleyball coach Susan Shifflett. As good sports to one another, the teams aren’t just girl-dominated—they tend to dominate.