By: Brian Shapell
South Brunswick High girls volleyball captains Terry Smoke and Kim Yee are returning letter winners who honed their skills at summer camps, organized summer practices, have become true team leaders and, oh yeah they’re younger than about half the players on the varsity squad.
The junior duo has already made a big impact this season as the Vikings have jumped to a 2-1 record behind home wins in their opener against Edison and Monday against J.P. Stevens.
"They’re young so they’re learning but they’re doing a great job accepting they’re captains," coach Nancy McDonald. "They came through in the off-season as leaders as far as getting the summer practices together. They’re becoming strong leaders and role models."
Yee, an offensive force near the net and a tough server, and the speedy Smoke, who trolls the baseline on defense, came through in the clutch helping to lead the Vikings in a marathon 20-18 win in the first game in the team’s first match against Edison.
"Last year, we wouldn’t have been able to pull off a 20-18 win," said Smoke, a Dayton resident. "This year we’re able to keep it together and not give up."
Yee, a Kendall Park resident, said the win is proof that the team has a lot of potential this year, perhaps more than ever before.
Key to that potential is the trust the players have in one another because most of the juniors and sophomores have played together for at least a full season.
"We’ve been playing with the same people since last year," said Smoke. "It’s like playing with group of friends. It helps because we trust each other in the game."
Yee, particularly made an impact this week with seven aces and six kills in the match with Edison, which helped her earn several honors, including the high school’s female Athlete of the Week as well as girls volleyball player of the week by other media outlets.
"She’s a big hitter and very powerful in her serving," said McDonald of Yee. "When she finds her spot, she’s untouchable."
Yee has been in love with the game since her gym-class days in elementary school. She went on to play intramural, club volleyball at Crossroads and has attended several summer camps, including the Rutgers Volleyball Camp in 2001. Smoke and four other players also attended the camp this past summer.
Smoke, on the other hand, was just looking for a new, fun sport to get involved in.
"I wanted to try something new so I came to camp before my freshman year," Smoke said.
Both Yee and Smoke are also involved in track. Yee is a shot-putter for the winter track squad and is a discus thrower in the spring. Smoke participates in spring track running the 400-meter hurdles. However, the duo said volleyball offers something track is missing.
"I like it because it’s more of a team sport," Yee said. "You work together. You’re not only relying on yourself."
The captains will need to be at the top of their game and more confident than ever before as the Vikings face what could be their toughest game this year Saturday against perennial powerhouse East Brunswick High.
"They’re definitely going to be a tough team," Yee said. "They’re the best team around but I think we’ll do well against them."
SPIKES: The Vikings defeated Edison on Sept. 7 by a score of 20-18, 15-6; lost to West Windsor-Plainsboro South 7-15, 9-15 and defeated J.P. Stevens 15-4, 9-15, 15-5 … the Vikings play at home against Mother Seton Friday at 4 p.m. and at East Brunswick Saturday at 10 a.m.

