Plainfield East High School (PEHS) boys’ volleyball team is more than a team to its players; it is a family. Being third in conference, the Bengal volleyball team’s atmosphere generates success on the court.
“The team chemistry is definitely a high point. We’re not only teammates, we’re friends, you can say family for most of us. It’s not like we only talk to each other inside the sport; outside of school, we’re hanging out. This is really a team of best friends that all play a sport,” said senior Jack Robertson, outside hitter.
Despite facing some challenges this season, the PEHS boy’s volleyball team finds strength in the bond that the team has.
“It’s been a little rough right now, but I think that as long as we work together, we’ll be able to achieve the goals that we have right now,” said senior Zach Gaverick, right side.
One of the team’s goals is to go on a state run. The team’s potential makes this possible and within reason.
“I believe we can go really far in the state run. I want to at least get a regional title this year, like sophomore year. We have a lot to work with,” said senior Braxton Francis, middle blocker.
Something that the team is working on this year to achieve is building the mindset necessary to compete and achieve their goals.
“I’d like to improve upon mentality. I think overall, we have a very good physical team. We’re athletic, we like to compete. Sometimes our mentality drops, and normally that’s why we lose games,” Robertson said.
Even when facing the season’s adversities, it remains a PEHS boy’s volleyball tradition to win games and have fun while doing it.
“A tradition is to win; it’s a big part, and it boosts us mentally. Seeing everybody happy puts a smile on everyone’s face,” Gaverick said.
Not only does winning hold value for the players, but winning helps portray PEHS in an exciting light. The energy the boy’s volleyball players create assists with that.
“To represent my school means a lot to me. I like to bring an energy where people like to come to the games. People want to watch a Plainfield East team win often, and volleyball is a great way to do that. It’s fun coming to practice, it’s fun coming to games,” Robertson said.
Going to a PEHS boy’s volleyball game ensures a good time and witnessing talent.
“When we’re all together, and we’re playing our game, we’re almost unstoppable. We have some of the best attackers, ends, middles. We have everything we need as long as we’re keeping it together as a team. When we do that, we’re really good,” Francis said.
The next home game for Bengal volleyball will be on May 9th at 5:30 pm against Oswego East High School.
“Come out to the games. It’s going to be entertaining. We’re going to crush some people,” Robertson said.