Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the girls volleyball team has been able to play this season and has started the season with a 3-1 record as of Hi’s Eye print deadline. WHS senior Gianna Mangiamele has been on varsity for three years and serves as captain this year. She will continue her volleyball career next year at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. In an interview with Hi’s Eye, Mangiamele detailed some of her experiences with WHS volleyball.

Q: How is the season going so far?

A: This season has been going well so far. We won our first game and are preparing for the next one. As a team, we are getting better but making sure to stay safe at the same time. 

Q: What are your responsibilities as captain? What does the position mean to you? 

A: My responsibilities are to ensure that everyone is staying safe and healthy so our season is not cut short. I am in a leadership role and encourage the other players on the team. This position is very important to me. It is a lot of responsibility; however, I am trying my best to stay positive and be the best I can be, both on and off the court.

Q: What are your goals for this season?

A: My goal is to do as well as I can and help my team succeed in any way possible. I have to prepare myself for my [college] season next year, so bettering my game is very important. As a team, we want to win county finals as well as do well in the state tournament at the end of the season. 

Q: What is your favorite WHS Volleyball memory? 

A:  Pink Out, our breast cancer fundraising event, is probably one of my favorite WHS Volleyball memories. It is a great deal of teamwork off the court to raise money as well as a high-spirited game that everyone gets very excited for. 

Q: What does your team do to get excited for games? Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: One of the things that we do to get ready for games is called “psych sisters.” One player from each of the teams is put together, and they give candy and snacks or write letters to each other before games. It is a really fun way to support each other as well as get to know players from other teams.

Q: What is your team doing to stay safe during COVID-19? 

A: During games and practices, all players are required to wear masks. Off the court, we are quarantining as a team and being diligent to ensure that our season is not cut short.