Volleyball captains positive, encouraging

On a high level and consistent basis, Emma Garcia and Skyler Ribitzki, senior captains for the West Milford High School girls volleyball team, demonstrate just what it means to a true leader.

“These two ladies have shown an increasing interest and dedication to the team over the course of their careers,’’ head coach Jason D’es Verney said.

“They took ownership of this past summer’s workout sessions and have helped usher in returning underclassmen players as well as our future freshmen candidates.’’

Garcia has more than 400 career digs and Ribitzki has more than 400 career kills, both impressive statistics.

Both have shown increased “confidence in their game play and finding success in big game moments, such as overcoming the pressure of a tie score at match point or staying focused during come-from-behind challenges,’’ D’es Verney said.

Both student athletes are very capable in the classroom as well.

“Emma is working toward earning her EMT (emergency medical technician) license and Skyler has a 4.3 GPA, is top 15 student all four years of high school, and (a member of the) National Honor Society,” the coach said.

“They both show great leadership to their teammates by staying positive and being encouraging, whether that is during practices or in games.’’

Early competitor

Ribitzki has been involved in athletics most of her life. The fast pace and intensity of volleyball appealed to her and she remembers as a girl watching with joy the athletes competed in the Olympic Games.

“I started competing before I can even remember,’’ she said. “I grew up in a house that loves playing all types of sports and is also very competitive, which influenced me to be competitive from a very young age. I played various sports during my childhood, and when I was introduced to volleyball my freshman year, I fell in love with the sport.

Among her strengths as a competitor? “I am very passionate and driven. I push myself to try and become the best competitor that I can and become very determined in the sport. I continuously strive to grow as a competitor and become better every day.’’

There are areas where she would like to improve, including staying calm and confident.

“Due to volleyball being a very fast-paced game, things can get overwhelming at times, but it is important to remain calm, which will allow me to perform better. I would also like to improve my confidence and remind myself that one mistake does not define my future performance.

“I would like to see my team continue to work hard to play to the best of our abilities together.’’

Ribitzki has had several positive influences throughout her athletic career.

“My parents have definitely been a major positive influence in my career. They are there at every game, supporting me and cheering the team on. Whether I had a good game or not, they are there to give me advice and support me when needed.’’

Life lessons

Like her teammates, Garcia began playing volleyball as a high school freshman.

“The first thing that originally attracted me to the sport was the competitiveness of the game, and I had the drive to prove people wrong for underestimating my height,’’ she said. “I think some of my strengths as a competitor is my mental toughness - volleyball taught me so many lessons in life as well as perseverance and your mental state and drive is everything.’’

She would like to improve on the physical aspect of the game, “including my vertical and an aggressive serve.” “Some of my personal goals for this season are to rank in state and to get First Team All County and Conference.”

She would like to see the team win the county title and rank high in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state seedings.

Garcia said her dad has been her biggest influence for her volleyball career. “He’s the one that has grown with me in the sport and supported me through thick and thin. He also was always there when I needed him and is one of the main reasons I am the person I am today.’’

Through Oct. 20, the Highlanders had an overall record of 10-8.

Several players have helped guide them to victory this fall.

“The extension of the leadership and the reinforcement of our goals and team-oriented mentality is a credit to all of our senior players”: Jennifer Scala, Caitlyn DeFreese, Kaitlyn Campbell, Garcia and Ribitzki, D’es Verney said.

“They are very engaged with our process from team-bonding events to fun-themed practices.”