The University Academy Lady Gryphons’ volleyball team has been successful so far this season.
UA’s volleyball athletes are coached by Tiara Webb and Daniela Torres.
The Lady Gryphons have already played in two tournaments. The team placed in the Grandview tournament and finished second in the tournament at Van Horn High School.
In regular season games, the team has notched wins against Crossroads Charter School, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, North Platte High School, Ewing Marion Kauffman School, Northeast High School, Hogan Prep Academy and Van Horn High School.
Dayonna Loyd is a sophomore on the junior varsity and co-captain of the JV volleyball team. She has played volleyball for two years so far. She originally started in eighth grade, and since then she has been motivated to play better. Loyd said her favorite memory on the team was when they beat Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in a game earlier this fall.
“It was nice to keep that streak since football had just beat them,” Loyd said.
UA defeated Lincoln’s football team at the start of the season, 6-0. Varsity volleyball also beat Lincoln in a game.
Aliah Bilberry is a senior on the varsity volleyball team. She said she’s worked to maintain her spot on the top team by building consistency and also with the coaches’ help.
Coach Webb said, “Coaching is very rewarding for me. Helping players improve their skills and watching their growth over time is everything for me.”
Bilberry loves her team, saying her teammates are very supportive, positive and encouraging. She has made memories and bonded with them.
“We’re very uplifting toward each other, and we always find ways to make each other feel better. Even if it’s a small joke, there’s never a dull moment and we’re always full of laughter,” Bilberry said.
She encouraged younger girls to play volleyball, but she said not to approach it in a solo way because the team you build, grow and play with is what makes you a better player.
Bilberry said, “Trust yourself and stay consistent. Playing volleyball is not an easy sport at all, but it helps a lot more when you have a team.”
Loyd also shared advice for girls who may want to play volleyball in the future.
She said, “My only advice is to give 110 percent when doing anything. Put in effort.”
Come watch the UA Lady Gryphons play their next game on Monday against Cristo Rey. The JV game will begin at 5:30 p.m., with varsity starting right after.
