The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
Surrounded by teammates, junior Katie Byergo is coached by Susan Anderson during a team huddle between sets. Anderson told the team that their energy was lacking, and the team needed to start getting excited about every point. "Cheering on my teammates is something I love to do. Celebrating their success over mine- it's my team over myself," Byergo said.

Beyond the net

Maura Lottes, Social Media Manager • November 14, 2024

Jumping to the height of 10 feet and 3 inches, junior Katie Byergo hits the ball into the court, hoping to add to her near 800 career kills in high school volleyball. In third grade, Byergo was seen...

“What made me really want to start playing [volleyball] was my sister. She loved it. She played it in high school, and just admired that; [when I] started playing I fell in love with it. I love the players, the coaches, and every experience. My first year experience was awesome. During the high school games, we always go in the locker room, run through the halls and [do] a [chant]. [After that] we all cheer, warm up and do dynamics together. A memorable moment [of mine] was [when I] committed to [the] University of Memphis. [It] was really exciting, because I felt relieved, and I felt like I found a place that I am hoping for; it felt right. In high pressure situations, I go back to the basics of what I know and focus on [practicing.] I [also] really focus on helping my teammates [by] encouraging them. Younger players [should] always take advantage of every moment, and every rep that you get. Know that you are a person and [your sport] doesn't define you. It's just something you enjoy playing. Don't let it overpower who you are. Just always stay true to [yourself].” - Maddy Bach, 12

Maddy Bach

Lydia Woodall, Staff Writer • September 20, 2024

“This school year, I'm looking forward to really settling into West, because last year I was a freshman getting used to the environment, and now that I [am aware of] my surroundings, I know the opportunities that West provides me. I feel like getting more involved than I was last year and it's going to be [a] fun [experience] for me. [This year I am going to] join the diplomacy club and the spanish club. I'm excited to meet new people, try new things and see what those clubs are about. I [might] join volleyball again, because I had a lot of fun doing [it] last year. I'm also on the robotics team at West and I'm super excited, because last year I didn't have any past experience in robotics, but now I know the lay of the land and what I'm doing. [This year] I think my personal growth is my [biggest] motivator. I've always wanted to be a better person and just continue growing [in] this journey of self improvement and [through] joining these clubs. Discovering myself in high school really [helped to] push me, and that has been my motivator for a long time. I love the community here, [and] I love all the opportunities that the school has given me.”- Adam Thomas, 10

Adam Thomas

Anna Wunsch, Staff Writer • September 13, 2024

“I'm passionate about volleyball. I've been playing for six years. I play it because I like the way that, [even though,] it's a team sport, it's also focused on [a person] individually; especially in my position since I'm the back row defense where the ball can hit me. It's [up to] me, I can’t blame anybody else. I like how it's very focused on [the] performance and how well [I] react to how the other team plays. The way I play really matters to me because it’s a team sport and I don't want to let my teammates down.” Emma Barton, 9

Emma Barton

Mahiya Pallipat, CJ1 Writer • April 18, 2024

“My favorite hobby is volleyball. I’ve been playing since third grade, and I play for a club outside of school, and I also play for the school team. I love the supportive environment in volleyball, and everyone on the club team is my best friend, so volleyball is a way I get to see them almost every day. There was once when I sprained my ankle, and it took me out for a couple of weeks. It’s a bad feeling because you just have to sit on the sidelines and watch your teammates play, and sometimes your teammates will be losing and you can’t do anything to help them. I usually end up spraining my ankle at least once a season, though, so I’ve gotten used to it since almost everyone gets hurt at least once a season. What keeps me motivated in volleyball is not wanting to let my teammates down. I know some of them want to play volleyball in college, and so I always want to play my best to give them the best games and not take away any of their opportunities.” - Abby Vogelgesang, 11

Abby Vogelgesang

Angie Ren, Staff Writer • May 26, 2023

“One of the happiest things I can remember lately is when [I was] at a volleyball tournament. After playing three games, we had busted our butts working to win the point and it was tied at 27. We ended up winning 28-27 and it came down to that last point. Everyone was so happy and really excited in the moment [that] we were able to win the game. I'm a middle hitter for Parkway Lightning Volleyball Club, and I've [been playing] for five years. [My favorite thing about] volleyball is the people I'm surrounding myself with, because these people are very uplifting and they push me to be a better version of myself, not only [as] a player but as a human being.” - Gabriella Black, 10

Gabriella Black

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2023

Maddy Bach

Maddy Bach

Annie Deckelbaum, CJ1 Writer • November 14, 2022

“My favorite part of school has been volleyball. Volleyball plays a big part in my happiness. I'm very interested in it, and I get excited every day that we have practices where I get to see everyone....

Trisha Francis

Trisha Francis

Keira Lang, Staff Writer • November 4, 2022

“I play volleyball on the freshmen team. I’m a defensive specialist. I don’t have a particular reason why I like volleyball so much, it’s just really fun to play. It’s always a good time with...

Digging their sandy toes into the ground, seniors Areeb Hasan and Uzair Mohsin prepare to block senior Nathan Meek’s spike, set up by seniors Manoah Inje and Gordon Yu. The boys took time to hype each other up after plays. “There's a lot of boosting each other up. As you play, you have like five people telling you how great you are and that feels great. When we get off [the pit], people always comment like 'Oh, so-and-so has gotten so good at this.’ I love that we’re learning and having a good time,” Meek said.

A net gain: senior boys spend quality time in the sand volleyball pits

Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • January 13, 2022

In an age where students have become increasingly focused on grades, extracurriculars and college applications, a group of boys have taken to playing amateur sand volleyball at Edgar M. Queeny County Park...

After scoring the winning point, senior Matt Cosgrove holds the State Champions plaque above his teammates. Seconds later the crowds stormed the court in celebration. “It was just unreal. I was speechless to finally win after talking about it for more than a year. Unreal feeling,” Cosgrove said. (Photo courtesy of Matt Cosgrove)

A team above all, above all a team

Makinsey Drake, Staff Writer • June 4, 2021

Bringing home the first boys varsity State Champions title since 2003, the boys conquered Webster this past weekend 3 to 0. Reaching a goal set in the 2020 season taken away from the team due to COVID-19,...

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3