Putnam County’s volleyball team boasts a veteran-heavy roster, featuring nine seniors.
The Lady War Eagles have seen great success this season, with the seniors leading the charge. They have positioned the team well for a postseason run, which is now their primary focus as the regular season draws to a close.
Putnam County seniors Bernicia Harris and Joelle Lukens are the leaders. The others include Ruby Rodriguez, Daniela Cruz-Perez, Carolyn Thomas, Luisana Araque, Madison Adams, Emma Farmer, and Trina Tracey.
The Lady War Eagles have also had a few others step up, including junior Brysen Pearson.
“Our main goal this season was to focus not just on individual play, but on playing as a team. So the team identity was all about team above everything else,” Putnam County head coach Rakeena Griffin said. “I have my leaders in place. Some have been leaders since they first started, which was probably ninth grade for some. However, some of the biggest role models we’ve had are Bernicia Harris. She’s been captain for the past two years. Brysen Pearson, a junior, has also been captain for two years. And Joelle Lukens — these girls are the main ones I rely on to keep the girls’ heads on straight when they’re feeling a little down on the court. They usually can motivate them to regain that competitive mindset necessary for playing this sport.”
This group has motivated each other to survive a challenging region schedule with a winning record. The team aims to finish the regular season strong and start preparing for the state playoffs, which begin in a few weeks.
Griffin said the season has had its fair share of “ups and downs,” but she’s seen the team come together.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but the girls have come together well as a team, from being together in the summer to having our full team during the season,” she said. “I like our chances. Hopefully, we’re still in a position to compete for a ring. But the girls look good. They’re aggressive. They’re everything I want them to be.”
Griffin has coached this group for a few years and wants to see them go out on top.
“I want all the girls to really leave it all out on the court, knowing that I have nine seniors and this will be their last time playing high school volleyball,” Griffin added. “I don’t want them to leave with any regrets.”
She has watched this senior class grow since they were freshmen and said they mean a great deal to her.
“It’s just been amazing to watch them grow — not only in volleyball skills but also into young women,” Griffin said. “It’s truly been a blessing. I wish them all the best in everything they pursue. They know they can always reach me if they need anything. They mean so much to me. They’re a special group. They really came together well — athletically and competitively. I will genuinely miss them next season.”