Modified volleyball team celebrates undefeated season under new coach

0
Share

By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

The RCS modified girls’ volleyball team had an undefeated season in 2024, with a 13-0 record. Contributed photo

RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK — It was a banner year for the RCS girls’ modified volleyball team, which finished with an impressive 13-0 undefeated season under the leadership of first-year head coach Bayleigh Bruno.

With a team of dedicated young athletes, the season was a resounding success, filled with growth, learning and teamwork.

“The season was amazing. From the start, we won,” said Bruno, a 2010 RCS graduate. “Our record was 13 and zero, so we were undefeated. It truly was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

TEAMWORK AND GROWTH

The team, which included Madelyn Babcock, Hayley Biel, Elaina Deitz, Guliana Demarest, Madison Fraley, Avery Iafallo, Kiernan Moore, Vienna Nunziato, Elliana Walsh, Janelle Williams, Fiona Engelhardt, Anna Hoffman, Colbie Hurlbut, Victoria Salisbury, Morgan Stanton, and Natalee Walker, demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the season.

Bruno emphasized the importance of fostering a positive and respectful environment for the players.

“I told them, ‘When you’re in that gym, you are to respect each other, and if you don’t, there will be consequences,’” she said. “It definitely helps when they’re open and willing to hear feedback and actually apply it.”

The team’s captains—Madelyn Babcock, Kiernan Moore and Julianne McDow—played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the team’s success.

“Without their leadership, it truly would have made a different experience for me as a coach and for the team,” said Bruno. “They were instrumental in keeping the team motivated and focused.”

With a new coach at the helm, the girls’ modified volleyball team did not lose a single match this season. Contributed photo

A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

The success of the RCS modified volleyball team reflects a growing culture of volleyball excellence in the Capital District. The introduction of club volleyball programs and increased opportunities for younger athletes to start playing earlier have created a stronger foundation for player development.

“Girls are starting to play at younger ages, and you can see that earlier exposure paying off,” said Bruno. “It’s exciting to see the skill levels rising and the love for the game growing.”

Tryouts began with 30 eager athletes competing for a spot, and Bruno ultimately selected 16 for the roster.

“That was very hard,” she said. “It wasn’t about skill; it was about attitude and sportsmanship. I told the girls who didn’t make it to reflect, keep working on their skills, and come back next year.”

The young athletes embraced Bruno’s guidance and grew throughout the season.

“The willingness to learn truly helps,” Bruno said. “It was like a domino effect—they all just started getting comfortable with each other, trusting each other more. By the end, even the parents said how much of a different team it was from start to finish.”

COMING FULL CIRCLE

For Bruno, coaching the team was a meaningful return to her roots.

“It was so very sweet coaching exactly where it all started for me,” she said. “It was an amazing, amazing experience.”

Her own volleyball journey began in seventh grade at RCS, where she fell in love with the sport thanks to passionate coaches.

“If it wasn’t for my coach back in sixth grade, I would have never fallen in love with the game like I did,” she said. “Coaches can definitely make or break the experience, and it truly makes a difference when they’re passionate.”

Bruno also credited Assistant Coach Kaylee Howe for her contributions.

“She was amazing,” Bruno said. “It was such a huge breath of fresh air to have somebody there to help me during my first year of coaching.”

With hard work, talent and determination, the team went undefeated this season. Contributed photo

LOOKING AHEAD

As the season came to an end, Bruno expressed her gratitude to the community, the parents, and most of all, the players.

“The girls did an amazing job, and I had an absolute blast,” she said. “I can’t wait to do it again.”

With a talented and motivated group of athletes and the growing influence of volleyball development opportunities in the region, the RCS girls’ modified volleyball team’s undefeated season is a testament to their hard work, camaraderie, and the leadership of a coach who came home to inspire the next generation.

Related Posts