The school board passed a measure 6-3 to make girls volleyball a varsity sport in the fall.

Around 25 sophomores and juniors who played on the club volleyball team attended the October 15th meeting to help convince the board to approve their idea. Every player at the meeting was excited about the outcome.

“I got Wawa to celebrate after,” Sophomore Lauren Sheahan said. “Everyone was being loud at the meeting, I think we annoyed the school board people.”

Some parents also spoke in support of the team. Lisa Salenga said her daughter is participating and has had “very positive experiences”.  Supporters also pointed out that most members of the PAC-10 already have a girls volleyball program.

More than 70 girls have participated in the club team formed this past year. They have been practicing two or three times a week and had games against each other on Saturdays. Some girls also play on Synergy, a travel team.

The school will still have a club team, along with the new Varsity and JV teams, said Science Teacher Ms. Bonnie Wood, who will be one of the team’s coaches. Tryouts will be in August.

Those who voted against volleyball becoming a sport were worried about the cost; some board members said they didn’t have enough information to make a decision, according to the board meeting minutes.

“It wasn’t that they didn’t want the team to be a thing; they were just worried about being able to financially support the team,” Coach Wood said. 

Athletic Director Mr. Nick Palladino and Superintendent Dr. Richard Faidley explained there will be a net reduction in school district coaches cost due to the consolidation of certain sports with the ninth grade moving to the high school in the 2017-2018 school year, according to the minutes.