GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Middle school is usually the first introduction to the sport of volleyball for many young athletes. It’s about that time when many athletes pick up a volleyball for the first time and slowly get introduced to the fundamentals of the game. It’s where the good and bad habits start to form, and the struggles materialize. The game can be a very difficult one, especially as players become more aware of the court, their abilities, their heights, and how to utilize their bodies in the best way to put force behind a strong hit. 

Sycamore Middle School in Gridley, CA has some great instructors for the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams. Mike Erickson (7th grade team) and Michelle Solis (8th grade team) have a way of teaching the fundamentals of the game to prepare them for the faster pace, stronger, and more experienced players at the high school level. 

This year’s teams have shown tremendous progress over the season, with wins in their latest matches against Franklin Elementary School in Yuba City on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at home. Both 7th and 8th grade teams had players diving for balls, jumping for blocks, executing sets to their outside hitters, and serving consistently over the net. 

The Sycamore Middle School 8th grade volleyball team consists of: Aida Duran (#8), Alexis Alcantar (#2), Avery Mendenhall (#11), Evelina LaBuff (#3), Gemma Donati (#43), Gracie Leishman (#22), Gracie Yost (#7), Isabelle Santillan (#4), Katherine Gonzalez (#24), Sophia Moran (#25), Tory Patterson (#1), Vivian King (#9), and Yalany Romo (#23). The Sycamore Middle School 7th grade volleyball team consists of: Alejandra Gomez (#51), Ammara Khan (#0), Anahi Franco (#3), Analeigh Torres (#35), Ashleigh Sharrock (#42), Audriana Chanes (#5), Ava Campos (#11), Carol Fernandez (#40), Eve Sherer (#23), Gabriela Roque (#53), Isabella Gutierrez (#30), Maddison De La Fuente (#55), Rebecca Solis (#10), and Sarah Hamman (#22).