With both a talented and an experienced roster returning this year, expectations were high for the Varsity Volleyball team throughout the 2021 season. Head Coach Rachel VanderPol conveyed this message to her team from the very first match.

“Whether at practice, at a game, or off the court, we wanted to accomplish each of our goals together as a team. Moving into the postseason we embraced the motto “finish it” because to us,we knew we had what it took to win it all,but we had not accomplished that in the past”, said Coach VanderPol.

After going 34-8 throughout both the regular season and the postseason, it seemed as if Coach VanderPol’s message had been received. However, one match in the state championship against Sandy Creek High School stood in the way of the Spartans’ mission. This matchup would be the third time that GAC and Sandy Creek had played this season, with the Spartans winning the first two matches. Early on, it appeared as if Sandy Creek would gain their revenge as they won the first set 27-25.

Despite being down a set in the midst of a loud atmosphere, the Spartans maintained their composure. They were victorious in three sets in a row, winning 25-23, 25-23, 25-14. As soon as junior, Naya Ohuabunwa, hit the final kill for the Spartans, the whole team dropped in relief. The Spartans “Finished” the season and brought home the championship trophy.