Binationals in TCS ended a little more than 2 weeks ago, and the girls volleyball team achieved 2nd place, a big achievement for the school and the team itself. 

The team put in a lot of hard work and effort in Binationals, leading it to second place in the podium. From discipline in training sessions, to knowing how to control emotions, the girls have experienced significant growth and advancements in their skills. Not only this, but the support they give each other helps them notably in the game.

“Our team’s communication was very good in binationals. Also, the fact that we were not putting the energy down when we were in a hard game, or losing. We supported each other, and remained motivated,” Violeta Eastman, 10th grade player, said. 

Since seniors 2024 left in June, the volleyball team captain, Isabel Jaramillo has faced challenges that include learning how to control the whole team by herself. Although it is not an easy duty, she has managed it in a fluent, organized way.

“I think that we have accomplished a lot since our seniors graduated last year. Since they were a big part of my team, I think that we’re really proud of improving a lot without them,” Isabel Jaramillo, volleyball captain, said. 

Although the team is on a great moment, like all, it still has some things to improve. Emotional intelligence and regulation plays a big role in the way the team works. Not only this, but some of the volleyball girls say that when things are not going as planned, they lose motivation and therefore their performance isn’t as high. 

“Something that we could have done better in binationals was that some of the girls actually did get unmotivated when things were not going well, so when we tried motivating them, they wouldn’t change their attitude. This made the team go a little bit unbalanced in some moments.” Eastman said. 

What is actually important when these moments of doubt and uncertainty arise, is knowing how to handle them, and knowing how to control your thoughts and the ones of your teammates. Every team member should help in calming each other down, and improving their mindset when under pressure. 

“I think that I help in leading the team, and making everyone be very organized. If something starts going crazy or downhill, I help a lot by making them think rationally and calming them down.” Sara Sánchez, 10th grade player, said. 

In binationals, not everything was as easy as it seemed. Some games were hard to win, and hard to have faith in while playing. However, the girls didn’t give up, and tried their best, which led them to win even the hardest games.

“Our hardest game was against GI which was the semifinal. However, we managed to win, which made the team and myself be really proud of ourselves,” Sánchez said.

What’s actually important in a team is understanding everyone’s perspectives, being open and listening to everyone, and knowing how to regulate one’s emotions. Looking for ways to improve will always be crucial.

“We improve for example by when girls are on the bench, motivating and supporting each of the other ones that are in the actual game. Also, when we are in between sets, our members give us a motivational speech which helps us a lot,” Eastman said.