To the casual fan, volleyball can look frantic. There are six players on each side of the net occupying a space smaller than half of a basketball court running, diving, and jumping at full speed without crashing into each other. What looks frantic to the casual fan is more like organized chaos, with players moving in rhythm with one another. In other words, playing good volleyball is about trust.
“It’s all about trusting your teammates,” says Duncan High School senior Kyndle Ledford. “It’s knowing where your teammates are going to be and where you’re going to be. That’s why it’s so important to build a bond with your teammates.”
Ledford says the bond the Duncan volleyball team has is built on a foundation of spending time together.
“Our team this year has a lot of seniors and juniors, so I’ve played with them for several years,” Ledford says. “We also do a lot of team bonding things outside of volleyball. We go on team trips every year, which is one way we build that bond and trust as a team.”
Outside of volleyball, Ledford is involved in student council and the community service organization, Jolly Jill Social Club. Ledford says the idea of service has been instilled in her since she was young.
“My parents taught me to have a heart for others,” she says. “I’ve grown up in church and around others who think that. That’s all I know.”
Following the volleyball season, you can find Ledford competing on the Duncan basketball and track teams.
