With volleyball season just beginning, new and talented players are making their way onto the court. Stepping up to the varsity team are some new freshmen, two of which are Avery Stewart and Julia Tarnow. Both players play different positions, but both bring their blood, sweat, and tears to the varsity team this season.
With a background of playing volleyball for 4 years, Avery Stewart is a player who has always been connected with Rock Island Volleyball. “I already knew a lot of the upperclassmen, and I don’t think I’ll have any trouble connecting with them. I have always been myself, and I make sure I am always giving high fives and am cheering for everyone,” she stated. Avery, in particular, has one unique bond – her older sister AJ Stewart, is a senior on varsity. “I think that me and my sister being on the same team will bond us furthermore. We are both very hardworking players, and we also both thrive off of direct feedback, so neither of us are afraid to tell each other when we need to fix something,” explained Avery Stewart.
The game of volleyball can challenge the players mentally, as well as physically. “I always try my best to stay as calm as I can, because I do have a lot of energy, but sometimes, that can lead me into making small mistakes. I try to remind myself to stay calm, and remember the fundamentals of the game, ” stated Stewart. Avery knows the little tools count in the game, and they matter a lot to her. “My best skill that stands out to people is my energy and communication out on the court, “ said Stewart.
Julia Tarnow plays the position of a hitter. Julia is determined to break the expectations this season. “I’m a hitter because I want to prove to everyone that you don’t have to be tall to be in this position,” explained Julia. Julia is an athlete who truly wants her greatness to shine onto others. “Originally, I genuinely didn’t know what team I would make, or play on. But finding out I made varsity as a freshman was one of my main goals,” explained Julia.
Julia has been playing volleyball for 5 years, doing countless training, and training day in and day out. “I had so many inspiring coaches who pushed me to work hard every day, and I would try to go in every day to either get reps, or get a good amount of lifting in,” stated Julia.
Tarnow strives to be the best athlete she can be, stating, “I try to focus the most on ball control and being able to adjust to any ball that comes at me. I think this is very important for players because it makes you very versatile. I have been working on these skills ever since I started volleyball because I knew that many coaches look for players who can do anything.”
Overall, both players are excited for this season. With both athletes stepping up into a big role on the team, they are striving to get on the varsity court as freshmen. “I will definitely have to compete for court time, which I am very ready for, and I can’t wait for such a great season!” stated Julia. “I am trying my best to stay focused on getting my work done, as well as playing volleyball and having fun overall this season!” says Avery Stewart.
