For nearly the entire fall sports season, Pleasant Valley volleyball and girls cross country have been atop every weekly ranking. With both state competitions on the horizon, expectations remain high.
The overwhelming success of all Pleasant Valley girls sports has been no secret over the past couple of years. The current volleyball and cross-country teams are no exception. While both have been dominant the previous seasons, this year has stood out for both. “This year has been special because our team culture is so amazing. I think the reason we have found so much success is because everyone was willing to buy in and work hard without getting distracted or complacent,” senior cross country runner Grace Boleyn said.
Both teams enter their respective state competitions ranked No. 1. While holding the top spot comes with a lot of pressure, it can equally be viewed as a privilege. “Being ranked number one in the state is an honor to the program as well as all of the players. While most people may feel that this adds pressure to our season, I would say it adds fuel and motivation to our team. It is something to strive for and prove true,” sophomore volleyball player Addi Allaman said.
Boleyn shared similar sentiments. “I think that being ranked number one has added pressure but as a team I think we do a good job of rising to the occasion and surpassing expectations. I think winning would show how dominant we are as a team even with the pressure,” said Boleyn.
The last state championships came in 2021 for the volleyball team and in 2012 for the cross-country team. Both Allaman and Boleyn feel the need to renew that victory in the coming week. “Capturing the state title would mean the world to me. Ever since I watched Pleasant Valley win the championship in 2021 I knew it was something I had to accomplish in my upcoming high school career,” Allaman said.
For Boleyn, it comes at a higher cost. “This year’s state is super special to me given it’s my senior year. I really want to take everything in and not take anything for granted,” Boleyn stated. This season seems to be both teams’ perfect opportunity to cash in on another state title and continue PV girls’ hot streak of championships.
With great pressure comes great opportunity, and this holds true for both the girls’ volleyball and cross-country teams. Within the week, both will have the ability to prove their No. 1 rankings and claim a state championship.
