Gilbert Classical Academy has a talented and coherent volleyball program despite being a 2A Conference school and the smallest school in its district (Gilbert Public Schools).

Notably, the academic focus at GCA is so strong that some student-athletes leave the school to pursue volleyball without the several hours of nightly homework GCA requires.

“It’s not unusual to have one or two girls transfer out and go to a regular public school where they’re not mandated or required to take advanced classes,” varsity assistant coach Carol Johnson explained. 

“We always hope that we don’t lose players but we always do.”

Losing players due to the academic program can make it difficult for the Spartans to build team chemistry and develop a competitive group.

GCA has won several awards for its academic prowess, including both the 2018 National Blue Ribbon School award and the 2020 A+ School of Excellence award. 

“[The curriculum]’ is not frustrating because it’s hard, it's frustrating because they have homework. A lot of it. It’s very time-consuming, and when they have practice, especially when we had gym conflicts and had to push practices back to 6-8, they still have to go home and do their homework after,” Johnson explained. 

“Here, it’s all about academics. That’s why varsity didn’t play in any tournaments because it was important for them to be in school. They’ve got three to four hours of homework after school. Like, it’s crazy. And so that is very important to me, especially as not just a parent but as a teacher, I understand how it goes,” said varsity head coach Janie Tomasek. 

And yet, this team has true camaraderie, not often seen at the high school level. 

GCA volleyball has had a strong 10-4 overall record and 6-1 in the 2A Valley Region start to their season, but they’ll need to continue to win games to make their second consecutive AIA Girls’ Volleyball 2A State Championship tournament this season. 

The program begins the week at No. 19 and in place to qualify for the play-in tournament, which starts Oct. 31.

“But, it’s crazy to see how strong our volleyball program is ‘cause of that. They’re a great team, they all work together, they see each other throughout the day and they’re always saying ‘hi’ to each other,” Tomasek said.

This team has had the gift of growing together over many years, as most players have attended school together for as many as six years and GCA’s coaching staff has been with the school and the team for three years. 

“I believe it is the type of coaches, students and parents we have that have bought into a "FAMILY" atmosphere.  We are here for each other,” said athletic director Casey Fraughton about the team’s success despite its obstacles. 

“The awesome thing about that is a majority of our volleyball players and most other sports had very little volleyball experience prior to coming here.  But with patient and passionate coaches who focus on "inside out coaching" and using sports as a positive outlet/break from academics and being a part of a team, the students here have thrived.”

The athletic department at GCA is aware of its various barriers to having a strong program, but Fraughton focuses on the people who are in the program and their growth and development. 

“My number one priority is to make sure our student-athletes are having fun, and being a part of something bigger than themselves.  It is important to be a team player and be there for each other, “ Fraughton said.