After win number 20, I talked to seven volleyball seniors, Brooklyn Claxton, Addison Fanning, Rilynn Finley, Aubrey Haynes, Lexi Mitchell, and manager Sara Laster. Here’s a (lightly edited) transcript of our conversation.
You can watch the video here.
David: All the volleyball seniors are here, and you won two more matches today. Congratulations: 20 wins, second year in a row with 20 wins. The reason I thought I’d talk to you is because it’s your last weekend tournament, right, as seniors? So, I just want to know: did you guys talk about that or think about it heading into the weekend?
Rilynn: I guess we didn’t really think about it. We’re kind of just coming to play because it’s what we’ve always done. But now that it’s kind of over, it’s kind of sad to think about that. We’re just focused on regular season games now.
Aubrey: Yeah, I think it’s weird because most of us have played together since third grade. So it’s kind of crazy to think this is our last weekend thing together.
Lexi Mitchell: I would say it’s definitely a big change because some of us will be going on to college. I know some of us are playing club and some of us are playing together, and we’ll have tournaments and stuff together. But it’s the last time we’ll all be together at a tournament, playing multiple games in a row. We’ll be tired and all that stuff, so we can’t do that anymore.
David: You got 20 wins. Was that something you guys had as a goal going into the season? And whether it was or not, what do you think helped you accomplish that?
Addison: I mean, I didn’t really pick a number. I just think, obviously, we want to win every game. So, we just go in thinking “I want to win them.” There are some games we want to win more, but I think it’s just about doing our best to get as many wins as we can.
David: What do you think stands out about this team that makes you successful?
Brooklyn: Just our effort and how we work together. I think we’re all really good friends, and so it helps on the court. We’re close, so the chemistry is better, and that’s evident all the time.
David: So, who hasn’t talked? Sara? I was gonna save you for last, Sarah, but what’s it been like to be a part of the program? I know you’re such an important part of the program.
Sara: I mean, it’s definitely weird that this is the last tournament I’m gonna be a part of. Being with these girls for all these years… I don’t know. I like it. I’ll be sad to leave.
David: Alaina, talk to me about what Sarah’s meant to the program.
Alaina: We all love Sarah. I feel like she’s a big part of everything. She’s definitely a part of the team. Some managers might not be as involved, but Sarah just steps up and does everything for us.
David: Let’s talk about the rest of the season. What are your big goals as a group?
Addison: Um, I just want to say that we really want to beat Nixa on Tuesday.
David: All right, congratulations on 20 wins, and we’ll see you the rest of the season.
