Marina Durand in action for the Blue Devil girls' volleyball team. (Darin Reed photo)

H-ton Girls’ Volleyball Invites New Players to Join

Marina Durand in action for the Blue Devil girls' volleyball team. (Darin Reed photo)

April 23, 2021

Volleyball is a great sport and a lot of fun to play. The Huntington High School girls’ volleyball program is in the midst of a recruiting drive, putting out the welcome mat for new members. Practice will begin on Monday, August 23 and head coach Todd Donaghy is hoping to see a huge turnout.

Current and former players are encouraging everyone to consider joining the program. The team boasts a wonderful group of young women who support and encourage each other and who work hard during practices and at meets.

“The girls’ volleyball team is an environment where the players and coaches want to help you improve your skills, enjoy the game and watch you succeed,” junior Sophia Toscano said.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the pipeline for the Blue Devil varsity. Coach Donaghy wants to re-establish that and bring dozens of additional players into the fold from seventh grade right up to next year’s seniors.

“I first joined the volleyball team because all of my friends did, but I eventually fell in love with it,” senior Sophia Severine said. “Being on the team was such a good experience for me because it was a great way to meet so many new people and it was like having a second family. Volleyball is a very likable sport and really fun to play. The coaches have always been helpful and will teach you everything you need to know.”

Right now, Coach Donaghy and junior varsity coach Carrie Postel are putting out a call for any eighth, ninth or tenth grader who might be interested in joining the volleyball program to send a message at HuntingtonVball@aol.com.

“When looking back on high school, I think of my experience with Huntington volleyball as the best part,” said alum Cat Jamison, who is now playing at Bucknell University. “I strongly encourage everyone and anyone to join because it’s a great sport and you’ll be surrounded by even greater people.”

Are you a current junior? It’s not too late to join for your senior year. Reach out to Coach Donaghy at the email address above and let him know you are thinking about joining the team.

One thing is for sure, participating in the Blue Devil volleyball program will be an unforgettable experience.

“Being a part of the Huntington volleyball program was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” alum Madelyn Reed said. “My team became a family and I’m still close with all of them, even now as an alum. To anyone who’s thinking about going out for the volleyball team, I say go for it! Being on a team was so fun and rewarding and it’s an amazing way to meet new people and make new friends.”