The Northwestern State University’s Lady Demons volleyball team had a tough start to the season with a record of 7-13, but are working to end the season strong. Hunter MacFarland, a freshman business administration major, believes a big improvement being made throughout the season involves their connection as a team. “We are working on being great teammates no matter how the match goes, and to hold each other accountable to improve not only the team but also all of us as people,” MacFarland said.

The girls aim to become better as a team to improve upon the season while also being mentally and physically ready for matches. “Usually we have a film meeting to scout other teams, then we prepare our bodies with prepping workouts in the weight rooms,” MacFarland said. “After that, we go into practice and work on team and individual drills to get ready for our upcoming matches.”

Though the team’s main focus is getting ready for matches and performing at their best, they also allow themselves to have fun throughout the season. Samaya Wesson is a sophomore sports medicine major whose favorite memory while on the team was the pre-game locker room shenanigans. “One thing we all like to do is listen to music in the locker rooms before games. It’s always pretty fun to dance with each other and get one another excited to play,” Wesson said.

Being on the volleyball team has given Reaghan Thompson, a junior nursing major, several lifelong memories and friendships that will be cherished down the line. “Volleyball has given me an outlet for emotion and good physical exercise after coming from a long day of classes. It’s taught me discipline and brought many good friends into my life,” Thompson said.

The volleyball team at NSU is not only focused on competing but also celebrating the closeness the girls have with one another, making the most out of the season and learning how they can improve for the next season.