Drake points volleyball team in winning direction

Libby Pullen | The Chronicle

This year marks a new chapter for Mason Boys Volleyball. Following the retirement of the previous coaching staff, Head Coach Jordan Drake is taking a new approach with team-bonding and setting higher goals.  

Drake, who has been coaching volleyball for nine years, has spent the last two years at Mason. Drake previously served as the JV Girls Volleyball coach, and after the previous varsity staff retired, she took the opportunity to transform an often overlooked program.

“Volleyball is one of those sports where it’s truly like a team sport,” Drake said. “I think the biggest thing was first making sure to make the team atmosphere super important, and then really focusing on the fundamentals.”

Once Drake realised the lack of relationships between players, she started encouraging the team to spend more time together outside of practice. The more time the team spends bonding, the more genuine friendships form and grow beyond the typical teammate dynamic. Sophomore Thomas Amaya, who has played volleyball with the Comets for the past four years, said he believes the team atmosphere has changed since Coach Drake started with the team.

“I definitely think there’s a difference between this year and last year,” Amaya said. “Last year was more competitive, you were trying to be better than the person next to you. But this year is like everyone is trying to help each other get better.” 

A positive team atmosphere is vital to a well-rounded team. Senior Blake Lockhart started playing two years ago; however, as captain this year, Lockhart has played a key role in the new team dynamic. Lockhart said the use of more technical coaching while keeping up the positive environment gave the team a solid space to thrive throughout the season.

“This year, we’re doing volleyball lifts,” Lockhart said. “It’s underrated, but we’re in the weight room now, which is good. The coaching is more in-depth, so you understand things better.” 

The ability to have weekly weightlifting times as a team enables the increase of physical strength and agility, bettering the athletes on the court. Drake said open gyms have offered the team the opportunity to strengthen and improve as athletes, allowing them to challenge themselves outside of typical practices. 

“I implemented open gyms once to twice a week, and we started lifting pretty much right away, both of which were new to the boys,” Drake said.“[Open gyms] allowed new kids to come out and try, which was great since we had a great turnout,” Drake said. “And the returning players were able to get stronger and practice before tryouts came in February.”

Drake has implemented the new practices and schedules to improve the program, with a goal of growth, focused on creating a more structured and supportive environment for athletes. Amaya said these changes are part of her broader strategy to enhance the program’s overall success and attract more players.

“Her bringing us together and bringing new people into the program is going to not only help this year but in future years as well,” Amaya said. “We’re gonna end up with a really strong team.”

Lockhart said that while they have had to put in more effort, all of the new practices, team bonding and coaching styles are paving the way for the team, promising a strong future for this program. Looking ahead to the future is one of Drake’s main goals, especially focusing on the concept of never saying no and trying new things. 

“Being open to new things is what my assistant coach and I have been preaching,” Drake said. “The idea of ‘try it our way and give it a chance to see what happens.’”

Having an open mind and putting in effort is always important for an athlete to grow and improve. Increased improvement is a goal for all athletes on the boys volleyball team. Achieving the goal of winning the GMC title requires lots of work and dedication, however, Drake said these athletes are ready to put in the effort, though, with a healthy new relationship between the leadership and the rest of the roster.

With strong leadership and a new, enthusiastic coaching staff, this team has developed into a brotherhood built on trust and the belief in each other. Under Coach Drake’s leadership, these athletes have discovered more than higher skill and technique — they have discovered a culture that values growth, connection, and purpose. 

“[Coach Drake] is gonna leave a good impact,” Lockhart said. “I’d say playoffs are in the future. I think with her coaching, it’s going to be good, and they’ll be successful.”