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08/31/2022 12:08 PMNow in her second year as head coach of the Valley Regional girls’ volleyball team, Sofia Cullina is hoping that the Warriors can build off of their success from last season and make a deeper run in the playoffs this fall. With eight returning seniors, Coach Cullina wants to see Valley rely on its leadership as its players work together to create a cohesive and successful unit on the court.
Valley Regional is coming off of a season that saw the team finish with an overall record of 12-8 while qualifying for the Shoreline Conference Tournament and the Class M State Tournament. The Warriors will start the 2022 season by playing a home match against East Hampton on Thursday, Sept. 8, after which they will host Waterford for their second contest two days later.
Valley began holding its practices on Aug. 25. Once everyone got into the gym, Coach Cullina saw a palpable energy from her players. From the returning athletes to the newest Warriors, Cullina said that everyone on this year’s roster was excited to get back together and start preparing for the upcoming campaign.
“We’re super excited. The energy in the gym is off the charts,” Coach Cullina said. “The girls are definitely excited to be back in school and back starting the season. It’s good to see all the new and old faces. It’s nice to see them smiling, happy, and getting ready for the season.”
When Sofia Cullina and her sister, Assistant Coach Katie Cullina, became coaches with the Warriors last year, they brought with them a coaching style that focuses on teamwork and communication. In year two, Sofia Cullina said that Valley’s coaching staff is looking to instill the same mantra. They want everyone on this year’s team to mesh effectively as each player supports their teammates both on and off the court.
“This year, we’re really focusing on working together, communication, and mental toughness. It was a big part of our coaching style last year, as well,” said Cullina. “We want to be consistent on the court and lift each other up. We just want to be good team members to each other.”
Coach Cullina is looking for Valley Regional to play its style of volleyball this fall. She doesn’t want the Warriors to go into any match feeling overconfident. Cullina believes that if the Warriors can play their game and focus on what they do well, they will see a successful season in 2022.
“We want them to play the game confident, yet humble,” said Cullina. “We’re not the kind of team that goes in thinking we’re better than everyone else. We go in knowing that we’re going to be the best versions of ourselves. That’s all we can do—play our best and play our game. If we do that, it will lead to wins.”
This year, Valley Regional will be led by three senior captains in Audrey Board, a middle hitter; Kaia Karcich, who plays libero; and Sophie Scrivo, who plays setter. Board earned All-Shoreline Conference Second Team honors on behalf of the Warriors last season.
Coach Cullina said that all three players were welcoming when she and her sister came back to Valley as coaches after having previously competed in the program. After the trio was voted in as captains, Cullina felt proud to see how all three seniors had become leaders and role models to everyone in the Valley program.
“Last year, starting as new coaches, those three were super positive and super welcoming to us. It was a good quality for them to have as future captains,” Cullina said. “When they were voted as captains by their teammates, we weren’t too surprised. They’re well-liked, they’re good leaders, and they’re positive influences on and off the court.”
Coach Cullina is expecting strong seasons from another pair of seniors in Lily Frese and Brooke Rankin this year. Freese is a defensive specialist who Cullina praised for being vocal and always pumping up the team. Cullina also said that Rankin, an outside hitter, brings good energy to the Warriors and always has the motivation to succeed.
Valley’s senior class also includes Riley Burch, Raquel Farray, and Addison Keyworth. Coach Cullina said that all eight seniors have not only been welcoming to the younger players, but have helped she and her sister develop their coaching style. As these athletes enter their senior year, Cullina wants to see the efforts of all eight of them come to fruition on the volleyball court this season.
“They have all been playing since they were freshmen. They’re all very experienced and very talented. They’re a close-knit group,” Cullina said. “That bond they have shared through growing the past three seasons will definitely play a big role this year. Everything they’ve worked for all these years is going to show.”
Valley had a solid season in 2021 that saw the Warriors notch 12 victories on their way to making Shoreline and states. This year, Coach Cullina is looking for her team to advance further in both postseason tournaments while finishing in the top three in the Shoreline Conference.
In order to reach those goals, Cullina knows that the 2022 edition of the Warriors must stay positive and display unity on the court. Cullina said that her players are ready to compete and show everyone how strong the Valley volleyball program can be.
“The biggest thing will be that positive energy on the court and coming together as a team. Staying cohesive on the court and being consistent will be a big factor in our season,” said Cullina. “We’re looking forward to the season and hope to come out on top.”