The Worthing Colts volleyball team may be overlooked on paper, but its energy is impossible to ignore inside the gym.
With a roster full of unique personalities and playing styles, the Colts have built a culture where differences fuel determination. United by a single goal to win and prove to themselves they belong among the district’s best, Worthing’s strength lies not just in talent, but in how its diverse group of athletes push each other to be better.
“When people think of Worthing Volleyball this year, I want them to know that we are a team with humble beginnings,” said Worthing head volleyball coach Angela Nealy. “A team that knows what it’s like to win and lose. So we’re just focused on being better than our past.”
Last season, the team finished the season with a 9-9 record in 4A Region III District 20; however, with a stronger bonded team and shared chemistry, Worthing hopes to add more wins to the winning column.
“Last season’s team taught me to believe in myself and to believe in my girls,” said Nealy. “As a team, I believe it taught us all to have faith and focus on our individual strengths so we could bring them together for the betterment of the team.”
With a roster that combines leadership, energy and individuality, the Worthing Colts are shaping up to be a unique volleyball team.
“Our team’s personality this year is energetic and driven,” said senior team captain Tierra Miller. “We bring a lot of excitement and positivity to practices and games, and that energy helps us push through challenges.”
Both Miller and fellow team captain and senior libero, Ari Salas, agree that the team’s most energetic and loudest voice belongs to sophomore setter, Paige Tingle.
“She brings so much energy and keeps us hyped before games,” said Miller.
With Miller being the quietest and Tingle being the loudest, always bringing the energy, Salas is the leader by example.
“I try to lead by example and use what I’ve learned in the game to help in other parts of life too,” said Salas.
Worthing’s skill diversity of speed, power, defense and serving works together for their success.
“This team is strong all around,” said Nealy. “The focus is for everyone to be able to play any role at any given time. Each day we focus on a different skill set as a group, which helps when one person is having an off day in an area, another can step in to play the role.”
Building a game plan that maximizes such different skill sets can be challenging, but Nealy has mastered it.
“Our game plan is a system,” said Nealy. “As a coach, I watched and replayed every game from last season to find our flaws as a team and find the strengths of our opponents. I don’t look for the flaws in others, I build systems from their strengths, so my players can be ready for anything they might throw our way.”
Junior opposite hitter Disney Dominique says her strongest skills on the court are her passing and court vision.
“Knowing where the ball is going and setting my teammates up for success is my biggest skill,” said Dominique. “Since our team’s style is all about working together and staying in rhythm, those skills really help us keep control of the game.”
Dominique, the team’s third captain, admits she admires junior defensive specialist Khloe Franco because of her serving ability.
“She always stays calm and sets the tone for the game with her powerful serves,” said Dominique. “She’s the kind of player you can depend on when the game is close.”
Differences of opinion arise with any team, but the Worthing volleyball team has been able to avoid letting that sidetrack them as they stay united.
“When people don’t get along, we remind each other that we all want the same thing, to win and get better,” said Dominique. “We talk it out, stay positive and keep moving. At the end of the day, we’re like family, so small arguments don’t matter.”
With many lessons taught, this team’s bond has also taught its members how to trust and communicate.
“This team has taught me that trust and communicating with each other are super important,” said Dominique. “You have to communicate and believe that your teammates will do their job. When we do this, we play our best and feel stronger together.”
With nine different personalities playing under one team, coach Nealy works to keep everyone focused on the same goal.
“I let my students be free,” said Nealy. “I always remind them that it’s a time and place for everything. I feel they know the goal and know what the stakes are this season. When they get off task or unfocused, they tend to get each other back focused.”
Although winning would be celebrated enthusiastically, looking ahead, the Worthing volleyball team understands that there is winning even beyond the scoreboard.
“Winning to me means growth and strength,” said Miller. “Even if the score isn’t in our favor, if we leave the court knowing we gave everything we had, we’ve accomplished our job.”
“Beyond the scoreboard, winning means knowing our hard work has paid off,” said Salas. “It’s the feeling of reaching goals together, building confidence and growing as a team. This season will be a success if we all give our best effort, support each other and finish stronger than we started. If we come out better players and a closer team, that means we’ve truly succeeded.”
“The community should know that Worthing Volleyball has a story to tell and everyone has a part,” said Nealy.
