The Adams volleyball program has had a dominant season thus far, recently clinching the Rochester City Cup tournament in every flight. Adam’s varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams each secured decisive victories over rivals Rochester and Stoney Creek, proving their dominance across the board.
Under the leadership of head coach Nancy Mckouen, the varsity team started strong with a 2-0 win over Stoney Creek, followed 2-0 win over crosstown rival Rochester. Closing it out with a 2-1 win over Lutheran, the Highlanders brought out one of their most impressive games of the season.
“It was such a good feeling beating Rochester and Stoney at our home gym,” said senior captain Sophia Worobkevich. “Lutheran was a really good team too, but we finished, and we fought.”
Recently, the Adams volleyball program experienced a head coaching change, after the previous coach, Terry Baughman, resigned. His replacement, coach Nancy McKouen, previously coached at West Bloomfield. She has already been described by players as one of the best coaches in Adams Volleyball history.
“Everyone has felt so much support,” said senior and captain Tina Barnekova. “If we make mistakes, she makes sure we know it’s okay.”
This season, the Highlanders brought in numerous new underclassmen players. The addition has led senior captains to step up and lead the way for the next generation of Adams volleyball, focusing on team bonding and strong team dynamics.
“We have a lot of younger players, and it’s important that they feel supported,” said Barnekova.
During practices, the team focuses on a strong mentality with five words defining their process: Family, Confidence, Discipline, Fight, and Finish.
“First we have to play like a family. Next, we have to be confident. We can beat any team in the state if we’re on. Third, we have to stay disciplined. In a game we have to stay focused on the details. Fourth, we have to fight, no matter how down we are, we have to fight. And lastly, we have to finish. We started confident, but more importantly, we finished confident, and that was what made the difference at the City Cup,” said Barnekova.
Their mentality is undoubtedly one of the strongest strengths of the team. Players focus on staying mentally strong no matter what position they are in, winning or losing.
“If we don’t have that mentality, we don’t have anything,” said Worobkevich.
A strong mentality was not the only factor contributing to the Highlander
s strong performance. The team also has one of their biggest supporters, Bob. Bob is a minion from the despicable me franchise, and Bob was present at the City Cup, bringing good luck and positive energy to the team.
“Whenever we were down, we would look at Bob and make a joke about him, like Bob! Bob! Come on!” said Worobkevich.
The team has high goals for the rest of the season, hoping to make the Regional finals. Following their performance at the City Cup, the team took victories over strong teams such as Seahold, West Bloomfield, and Lake Orion, with a total win-loss record of 12-8.
“Everyone has been mentally strong and playing like a team,” said coach McKouen. “I truly believe we can beat anyone if we keep working.”
