The ball flies over the net, and junior captain Lyla Rosas dives just in time to keep the rally going. At the same time, senior captain Clara Morgan is already calling out instructions to move into position. Together, these two captains guide and balance the schools volleyball team.
At the beginning of every volleyball season, the team votes on who’s going to lead them throughout the year. The
team captains lead the team on and of the court. The title of captain is one of the highest achievements an athlete can accomplish, according to Morgan.
“As a team, we discuss the qualities we want to see in our captains for the season, and then we narrow down the list to the top-five most important qualities,” head volleyball coach Ashlea McGill said. “The team then votes on who they think best exhibits these qualities, and the players with the most number of votes are selected as captains. The new elected captains always feel excited and ready for their new role”
This 2025 season, with the Bulldogs holding a 20-15 overall record, marks a new chapter for Rosas and Morgan as they figure out how to lead together. Rosas, who has been on the varsity team since her freshman year, and Morgan, who has been a part of the program for four years, say their main goal is to keep positive and focused.
“Some goals I have for the season are to prove that we aren’t the team people think we are and to show up and fight to win every game,” Morgan said. “When situations happen on the court we meet in the middle to calm people down and reassure the team that we can do it.”
The captain’s job is beyond just communicating with their teammates during games; according to Rosas, it’s about building chemistry, motivating others, and pushing people outside their comfort zone.
“A captain is someone there for you to lean on,” Rosas said. “ They are supposed to be supportive and push you to be your best.”
McGill states that the success of the program can be traced back to former coach Jason Landers who passed away from cancer on June 16, 2014. According to McGill, Rosas and Morgan are continuing his legacy by being uplifting and passionate.
“Both of our captains are very encouraging and uplifting student athletes. They are not only vocal leaders but both also lead by example,” McGill said. “Their strong work ethic sets a high standard for the entire volleyball program.”
As the Lady ‘Dawgs continue their season as fourth overall in district, they have high hopes for the playoffs and are hoping to reach their personal goals, motivated by a passion for their sport and a hope to get a title for the program.
“My personal goal is to make it to the playoffs and reach five hundred digs by the end of the season,” Rosas said. “After multiple pre-season games, I think our team has the energy and drive to win.”
