By Madden Albert’ 25
The Frederick Gunn School athletics announced a volleyball team starting in the fall of 2024. The volleyball program has been going on for a long time. Still, this year, due to the amount of interest, Mr. Marich, the Athletic Director, and Head Coach Cassie Ruscz, Director of Multicultural Recruitment, decided to make the team’s dream a reality. At Tufts University, Ms. Ruscz was heavily involved in the softball team but also played other sports during her childhood, including volleyball. Right off the bat, many new students and returners were seen at tryouts.
After practically a quarter of the school tried out for the team, Coach Ruscz started making cuts immediately, and before they knew it, they narrowed it down to a team of 15 girls. Coaches Sara Parish and Cassie Ruscz together have already made history as they had their first win as a team on Wednesday, September 18th, against Ms. Hall’s. They won 3-2. Senior captain Morgan Brown says, “The team is looking forward to a great season where everyone will get a chance to show what they are capable of on the court.” The goal of the team is to go through everything they do and accomplish as a team. The Frederick Gunn School volleyball program seeks to create competitive opportunities as well as scenarios where developing student-athletes can practice the skills that are essential to help them thrive on and off the volleyball court.
On Wednesday, September 25th, the girls had their first-ever home game against St. Luke’s School. Unfortunately, despite the girl’s best efforts, they lost 3-0. When speaking to Head Coach Cassie Ruscz about the loss, she added, “Volleyball was always a huge part of my life, and to have it back at our school again and to be able to coach is very special to me. Whether the girls win or lose, I am always proud of them.”
Assistant Coach Sara Parish also added, “It’s very exciting to be a part of the first year of the volleyball program. This year, we are focused on building skills and a community.”
Many students and faculty here at The Frederick Gunn School are excited to watch and cheer on the volleyball team, which is brand new to the school and many people have never been to a volleyball match before. The girls look forward to seeing what the rest of the season has for them!
