Meet the 2022 Girls Volleyball Team
After getting knocked out in the second round of the playoffs last season, the girls’ volleyball team is ready to make a comeback. Led by senior captain, Lily Coulter, the varsity team consists of a full roster of 15 players, diversifying the strengths amongst the team. Having played five games, the team currently has a 4-1 overall record and 1-1 conference record. It looks like the raptors have a promising season ahead!
To win a game of volleyball, a team must score 25 points with a two point difference. The varsity team plays best 3 out of 5 sets whereas JV plays best 2 out of 3. There are 6 people on the court at once, typically with three in the front row and three in the back row. Usually, there is one player in a different color jersey, the libero. The libero is known to be a defensive specialist and has specific rules to follow. The other positions consist of outside hitter, middle hitter, right side hitter, and setter.
The girls volleyball team is coached by Coach Koll and Coach Hanna. Marina Barnes ‘24 attests to Coach Hanna being her favorite part of playing volleyball! Despite only having five returning players to the varsity team, this is not evident due to the close dynamic of the girls. Sophia Taber ‘23 admits that she “loves to get out of school at 3:15 on game days and get food with the team” and Kate Gieg ‘23 says, “I love my teammates!”
This year’s seniors include Noelle Andrews, Lily Coulter, Kate Gieg, and Sophia Taber. The four are sad that high school volleyball is coming to an end but look to make the best out of their final season! Sophia says, “I love getting to bump, set, and spike! Also, the team is so great and amazing and I can’t wait to grow and glow :)” Although the rest were unavailable to comment, I am sure the same attitude is held across the board.
Being that Academic Magnet is now a 2A school, the girls will face some new opponents this season, including Timberland and Lake Marion. Although the realignment will bring new teams to The Birdcage, the Raptors will still face Oceanside and Bishop England which will definitely be games to see! In addition to these games, Senior Night will be held on September 29, make sure to be in The Birdcage to support your seniors!
The Junior Varsity currently has an overall record of 3-2 and a conference record of 1-1. The team is led by sophomore co-captains, Evie Walldorf and Isabelle O’Leary. The full rosters and schedules of both teams will be at the bottom of this article. Make sure to follow @raptorsvolleyball on Instagram for team updates!
Varsity:
August 23 @ Summerville
August 25 vs First Baptist
August 30 @ West Ashley
September 1 vs Cane Bay
September 6 vs Philip Simmons 
September 8 @ James Island
September 13 @ Timberland
September 15 vs Oceanside
September 19 @ North Charleston
September 22 @ Lake Marion
September 27 vs Bishop English
September 29 vs Timberland * senior night
October 4 @ Oceanside
October 8 @ Phillip Simmons Tournament
October 11 vs Lake Marion *pink night
October 13 @ Bishop English
JV:
August 23 @ Summerville
August 25 vs First Baptist
August 30 @ West Ashley
September 1 vs Cane Bay
September 6 vs Philip Simmons
September 8 @ James Island
September 13 @ Timberland
September 15 vs Oceanside
September 19 @ North Charleston
September 22 @ Lake Marion
September 27 vs Bishop England
September 29 vs Timberland
October 1 @ BE Invitational
October 4 @ Oceanside
October 11 vs Lake Marion
October 13 @ Bishop England
Varsity Roster: Junior Varsity Roster:
Lily Coulter C ‘23 Evie Walldorf C ‘25
Sophia Taber ‘23 Isabelle O’Leary C ‘25
Kate Gieg ‘23 Eliza Thorn ‘25
Noelle Andrews ‘23 Lilly Strum ‘25
Lauren Faust ‘24 Olivia Smith ‘25
Ava Smoak ‘24 Ada Comer ‘25
Betsy Bailey ‘24 Evie Heath ‘25
Suzanna Carlsten ‘24 Amaris Wint ‘26
Emerson Medlin ‘24 Helina Lloyd ‘26
Marina Barnes ‘24 Josie Barrineau ‘26
Carolina Carrara ‘24 Rory Leach ‘26
Vivian Lam ‘24 Maddie O’Connor ‘26
Alexa Conlon ‘24 Hanna McLaughlin ‘26
Shannon Phelan ‘24 Lillian Patterson ‘26
Alaina Jarrett ‘25
