Sports, studying, hanging out with friends, and getting tasks accomplished, which to chose? It seems as though the freshmen on this year’s Padua Volleyball team were able to balance all of these very well. They walked into preseason and tryouts ready to give their best and show what they had to offer to the team and walked out with even more friends and a stronger sense of unity with their Padua sisters. “The thing I learned was what it really means to be on team with sisters who cheer you on,” said Amber DiSanto.

Since it was the first time these girls were able to play on a team at Padua, many different feelings took place. New players were feeling a mix of nervousness, sportsmanship, and excitement, just to name a few. Padua sports distinguishes itself from many other schools’ athletics by the sisterhood that goes far beyond the school walls; it travels onto the court with teams who consider themselves, not just teammates, but sisters. The Varsity team treated the freshmen just the same as they did each other by cheering them on enthusiastically from the bleachers.

There were 20 freshmen who played on the freshmen, JV, and varsity volleyball teams. During the season, freshmen showed their talents and ability while striving to further their journey as Pandas. While playing a sport for Padua is a privilege and a great opportunity to enhance the girls’ knowledge, it can also be rough work, but the passion that Padua athletes have for their sport inspires them to stick with it. “At first it was hard adjusting to school with volleyball everyday but it has gotten easier as school has progressed,” said Hayley Baker who played on the varsity team, “and sometimes I do feel that I need a break to focus on school work but I end up working everything out, whether I do it that night or during flex.”

This was the first year for Padua freshmen to experience what it was like to be a Panda, and the girls are looking forward to next season. Since the season ended, girls are still trying to improve even more by participating in club volleyball. Sisterhood is key at Padua, not only inside the building, but out on the court with sisters and teammates, as well. The freshmen did a wonderful job this season, and it will be exciting to see what is in store for these Pandas next year as sophomores.