This year’s Park View High girls’ volleyball team is made up of younger, less experienced varsity players who are getting their feet wet in the tough Dulles District.
But while it might be difficult to win in the talented Dulles, Park View head coach Kathy Koscinski and her Patriot players are remaining positive and hopeful about the remainder of the season in front of them. The Park View squad has the mindset of wanting to compete well, improve with each match and simply enjoy the sport.
"The girls are really learning how to play on the varsity team," said Koscinski, who lost nine players to graduation from last year’s team. "I see a great deal of improvement every day."
During a recent four-game setback at district opponent Dominion, Park View’s players were encouraged by how well the team had played and the improvements it had displayed on the floor. At the team’s following practice, Koscinski said team members were fired up.
"It was the best we played all season," said the coach, of the match with the Titans. "They played hard, went all out and knew what they wanted to work on. They were excited the next practice."
Park View has lost four district matches, those coming to Dominion, powerful Loudoun County, Heritage and Potomac Falls. The Patriots did garner a couple of pre-season victories in matches against George Mason High (Falls Church) and Emmanuel Christian.
The team has just three players back from last year’s roster. Those three, all serving as team tri-captains, are senior defensive specialist Kristin Oravetz, an outstanding passer, senior Aby Burkel, who coach Koscinski considers the `quarterback’ of the team, and Caitlin Ward, an outside hitter and one of the team’s most spirited players.
Three juniors who have played key roles are outside hitter Lindsey D’Oscotch, who has really stepped up her play according to her coach, and middle hitters Emily Grove and Brittany Griffin, both of whom are good defensive blockers.
Sophomore outside hitters Denni Johnson and Lauren Kinney are also having solid seasons for the Patriots.
Koscinski said there is a big difference in coaching a more experienced squad like last year’s Patriots and a less experienced team such as the one in place this fall.
"It’s a different mindset," she said. "It really challenges us as coaches to make sure I’m giving my very best. You need to be positive and encouraging [as coaches], teach intensity and teach winning. I feel every game we’re getting better and better. The girls are working hard, It’s not just one or two players, but the whole team is working hard."
One of the highlights of this season will likely come this Friday night when Park View plays a home match against George Mason. For several weeks, a sports marketing class at Park View has been publicizing the Friday night volleyball night.
"They selected the volleyball team as their team project," said Koscinski, of the sports marketing class. "They are publicizing the game and getting fans to come out. There will be cheerleaders. It’s pretty exciting because [everyone] is behind us. The team is working hard and trying to be at our best."
So volleyball fans of all ages are encouraged to come to Park View and check out the action on Friday when the Patriots and Mustangs will compete. The home team may or may not win, but they will have fun either way.