A tough season with loses and frustration over limited playing time, some players of the varsity volleyball team, are questioning whether the “no cut rule” is helping or hurting the program.
“We’re not working with each other and our communication on the court is kind of off,” junior libero Emma Monaghan said. ,
The frustration over constant losses has led players to question their commitment to the sport, and whether staying on the team is worth it. Earlier this season, one player, senior Lyla Thomas, decided to leave the team.
”It’s my senior year and it wasn’t fair with my playing time. It also wasn’t fair that the coach was picking favorites that were underclassmen,” Thomas said.
However, her decision to quit the team also raised questions about the no-cut policy and whether keeping everyone benefits or hurts the program, some people think that the no-cut policy is unfair and that students should earn their spot on the team and not just be put on a team because they have to be.
“I think it’s unfair, especially at the varsity level because everyone thinks there should be equal playing time and that’s not varsity level,” sophomore DS Ava Lucas said.
The school’s no-cut rule guarantees every student who tries out a spot on the team. But some players say the large roster has made it harder to divide playing time fairly and maintain a competitive edge.
Playing time has been one of the most talked about topics on the volleyball team this season. With a large roster and limited court space, not everyone gets the same opportunity to compete. For some players, consistent playing time has helped them grow in confidence and skill.
“ I stay positive towards them and I still encourage them and let them know that they’re still doing a good job and they’re doing all that they can.”Sophomore outside Alexa Satkowiak said.
But for others limited playing time has been frustrating.
“It honestly really sucks because I worked so hard like every year to get better and better, and be on varsity, and I joined a club team and everything, it kind of just hurts like knowing that I’m just sitting there, watching,” junior ds/setter Laura Humrich said.
