As postseason nears, the girls varsity volleyball team is bumping up their energy, setting up their odds and hoping to spike some wins. Involved in this intense and rigorous preparation is senior Molly Stock, a captain of the varsity team.

Stock first started playing sports from the age of seven, when she started out playing softball. Later influenced by her older sister who played volleyball, Stock wanted to try the sport out for herself and took up on it as well. Doing so, she then came to love the sport, and at nine years old, Stock got involved by playing club volleyball. From there, her passion for volleyball further grew and has lead her to play for club and school to this day, while letting go of softball.

While still in junior high, Stock first became involved with Central’s volleyball program through the yearly summer camp held at the school. Throughout her time spent at Central, Stock has played with Central’s program for all four years. This year, she returns to play on varsity for her second year, yet picks up an additional role on the team as a team captain.  

“School [volleyball] season runs from August through November, and club runs from November through May,” explained Stock. “So I’m basically always playing volleyball.”

Stock and the team dedicate roughly 18 to 20 hours per week for the sport, whether it is practicing drills, or trying to beat another team in a game. On school days, they commit roughly two to three hours right after school ends, while the team spends an extensive three to four hours on Saturday mornings.

In addition to the time spent through practices and games, Stock and the team enjoy spending additional time together just for fun.

“We have multiple pasta parties throughout the season, […] These are always my favorite,” Stock said. “Also, during tournaments, every time we’re [not playing volleyball], it’s just nice to take a break sometimes and we just hang out […] it’s really just a great group of girls, and we always have tons of fun together.”

Being on the team and playing such a role has impacted her student life as well, due to the time commitment and vigor.

“I have to be very good at managing my time after practice or matches,” Stock said. “I usually eat right when I get home and start my homework right after in order for me to get a decent amount of sleep.”

Being a varsity player and captain calls for a great amount of responsibility and leadership. Taking the position, Stock has had to step up her game and role on the team as both a player and leader.

“[As a captain,] she’s responsible for everyone being caught up with the program and doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” said Todd Holmberg, assistant coach of the girls varsity team. “She should pick up the slack if things aren’t getting done; we expect more of her than anybody else.”

Some may find these expectations for a captain difficult and intimidating, and will shy away from taking the role. This is not the case for Stock.

“Even though there is a lot of pressure to always keep the team motivated and always giving 100 percent, I have loved being in this role and position on the team this season,” Stock said.

Watching her play for all four years at Central, Holmberg has watched her take up this challenge and can establish the fact of her great improvement.

“She’s become a powerful hitter,” Holmberg said. “When she first started she was definitely a little kid, but I got to see her mature as a great player and as a leader as well.”

Looking down the road, Stock feels confident with the team and the progress they continue to make.

“We are definitely better than last year. Even though our record isn’t so hot right now, we still have a great bond and chemistry as a whole,” Stock said. “If we just keep pushing and keep our energy up, I think we can make a deep run in the postseason.”