What's happening: The Ramsey High School girls’ volleyball team recently visited NYU to watch the Bobcats play California, cheering on RHS alum Jess Spierenburg (Class of 2022). 🏐
A Glimpse into Collegiate Athletics: The match, which resulted in a 3-1 victory for NYU, provided the RHS players with a unique opportunity to witness high-level collegiate volleyball up close. This experience offered valuable insights into the skills, strategies, and intensity required to compete at the next level.
Alumni in Action: Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the trip was seeing former RHS standout Jess Spierenburg on the court for NYU. Watching a familiar face excel in a collegiate setting served as a powerful motivator for the current high school athletes, demonstrating a clear path from high school to college-level competition.
Building Team Unity: Beyond the excitement of the match itself, the field trip served as a team-building experience outside of regular practice. Such outings can strengthen bonds between teammates and coaches, fostering a sense of unity that translates to better on-court performance.
The Impact of Alumni Connections: Events like this highlight the importance of maintaining strong connections between high school athletic programs and their alumni. These connections can:
Provide inspiration and realistic goals for current students
Offer networking opportunities for athletes interested in college recruitment
Create a sense of continuity and tradition within the program
Potentially lead to mentorship relationships between current and former players.
Looking Forward: The RHS volleyball team returned from their trip with renewed enthusiasm and motivation for their ongoing season. Exposure to high-level play and the success of a recent alumnus has undoubtedly set a new standard for what these athletes can aspire to achieve.
Special recognition goes to Coach Harte and Coach Gorman for organizing this valuable experience.