By: Sean Richards
When Monroe Township High School decided to add girls volleyball as a sport this year, it really couldn’t be quite sure what would happen.
Sure, the Falcons knew there would be some interest, but like any new adventure there were the elements of uncertainty and apprehension.
Well, not to worry. So many girls came out for the team they actually had to turn some away and the squad put together a solid 7-7 record, albeit mostly on the junior varsity level.
"We’re pretty excited about it," said coach Sue Winfree. "We had a great turnout and kept 18 players on the team. We had also had a nice mix (of under and upper classmen). It’s been a learning experience, but you wouldn’t believe the difference (in the quality of the play) from when we started and finished.
"For most of the players, the only experience they had had in volleyball was in gym class." There were two exceptions on that front. Enter foreign exchange students Jutta Muller-Diele and Pia Behnisch. Both are from Germany, both had played volleyball back home and both were able to provide some stability as the other players learned their way around the court.
"They were a big help," confirmed Winfree. "They were able to help teach the other girls."
Seniors on the Monroe team were Rachel DeBaun, Chinnu Joseph and Sara Beth Moke. In addition to the two players from Germany, juniors included Sydney Normil, Monica Kupczak and Rachel Friedrich.
The sophomore class had the biggest representation with seven players. They were Kimberly Allegro, Erica Halpern, Brooke Klag, Shaina Paulraj, Megan Prestridge, Vaibhavi Shah and Alexandra Waksmundzki. Freshmen Katelyn Douglas, Brianna Malvone and Elaina Hansen rounded out the squad.
"It was an amazing year," said Winfree, who played on the high school level. "At the beginning of the year a lot of the players weren’t sure what to do, but the way they progressed was really encouraging."
Monroe eventually will join the Greater Middlesex Conference in volleyball, although there might be one more transition year before it plays a full league schedule. The sport is actually more popular in other parts of the state, but has been coming on in this area.
"We’re already looking forward to next year," said Winfree. "We gained a lot of experience and have a lot of players back. We’re encouraging the girls to attend some camps. We also didn’t begin practice this year until school started. Next year we’ll get an earlier start.
"As much improvement as we saw this year, next year we should see even more."
It sounds like Monroe is about to add yet another to its long list of successful autumn sports.

