Brooke Tyburski
ASU Student Journalist

Northwest Christian volleyball continues success with new players

November 6, 2019 by Brooke Tyburski, Arizona State University


New players Abigail Araujo, Kierstyn Barton, Sophie Hubby, Jessica Jacoby, and Bella Saries adjusted to the team with help from returning players and coaches who welcomed them with open arms into a team with a family-like environment. (Photo: Brooke Tyburski/AZPreps365.com)

The Northwest Christian High School girls varsity volleyball team ended its 2019 season with a record of 33-7,  following a record 2018 season where the team went 36-6. Not only did they manage to keep up their success, but they did it with five new players on the team.

Libero Abigail Araujo, outside hitter Kierstyn Barton, defensive specialist Sophie Hubby, libero Jessica Jacoby, and outside hitter Bella Saries joined the Crusaders team in 2019 and had to adjust to the way the team practiced, played, and interacted.

Araujo, one of the freshmen on the team, said the transition to varsity was intimidating at first.

“I felt like being on a varsity team with a bunch of upperclassmen was really scary because I didn’t know how they would treat me, just because I’m younger,” Araujo said. “But they were actually welcoming, so it was an easy transition.”

Araujo said that the more-experienced girls on her team helped her by explaining things they did on the court while on the sidelines during practices and matches.

Playing with a new team was one of the less difficult things for Araujo, who played club volleyball in previous years and wasn’t used to varsity-level play and had to adjust to its intensity.

“This season’s been challenging,” Araujo said. “We’ve had practice every day so it kind of feels like college.

 “Last year I feel like it was more of almost a joke, as in you only had a couple of rotations on the court. And this year, you’re fighting for your spot.”

Though Araujo doesn’t play in every set as a freshman, she embraces the opportunity to learn by watching others.

“Being a freshman, it’s hard not being on the court sometimes,” Araujo said. “But it’s helpful seeing everyone else on the court and how fast the plays are. It’s more serious.”

Araujo is already making waves on the team, playing in 56 sets out of 110 this season and earning 91 digs, 18 aces, and one kill.

Coach Jenna Hope said that Araujo brings much-needed qualities to the team and fits in seamlessly.

“When she steps on the court, I guess steady is the main word,” Hope said. “She brings steadiness.

“We know she’s going to get the pass. She’s a little bit wider in her communication, but she’s always where she needs to be. And she’s a great team player in that she’s always encouraging, always talking with the girls as they’re playing.”

Hope said that the younger and newer players have changed the outlook of the team and their attitude.

“The freshmen bring kind of a fresh perspective,” Hope said. “They’re really excited to learn. There’s a lot of knowledge they still need to elevate their game, so they bring that energy and desire to learn.”

Hubby is another new addition to the Crusaders this season who has helped the team continue their success of last year.

Hubby had to adjust to a completely new style of play as well as a whole new team after she moved from Ohio to Arizona this year as a senior.

Hope praised Hubby’s ability to adapt and excitement to fight for a spot on the team despite being in a new environment.

“Midwestern volleyball is played very differently than West Coast volleyball,” Hope said. “To be a senior and leave the program that she has known to come to a new program, she worked so hard.

“She wanted a spot really bad and so in every drill she’s the one that’s hustling more than anybody else because she’s trying to earn that spot.”

Hope added that Hubby’s volume and enthusiasm brought an encouraging energy to the team.

Hubby said that she adapted quickly with the help of others and wanted to make the biggest impact that she could in such a short time.

“Coach Hope really helped me and explained that everyone has a role,” Hubby said. “They have really great leaders and so I worked really hard to be a leader and to create relationships with every girl on the team.”

Hubby played 21 sets this season and recorded 29 digs, 28 serve receptions, and six aces.

After this season the team will continue to change and evolve, as the team will be losing two senior middles that do not currently have a replacement.

Hope says that she is not concerned about being able to find replacements, but that new and returning players will need to challenge themselves.

“What I’m going to have to ask of the returners is they’re going to have to step up their games and take more responsibility than just their role,” Hope said.

“I’m really going to challenge the girls coming up from JV or who are new to our program to step in and do things they’re not comfortable with in order to get better. We’ll fill that position.”