Breaking news update: In an email sent to OH Staff, Darren Howard said “congratulations to Coach Mosley, his Staff, and the 2023 Panthers Girls Volleyball team on winning the IHSA Regional, our first since 2011!”
The OHS Girls Volleyball team has been on fire since their season started this fall. They’ve set new records that will forever leave a permanent mark on the program.
With new head coach Gary Mosley, Oswego Panther Volleyball (OPV) has changed gears to aim for success. With this new position, he has made his intentions with the program very apparent.
“My goal was to build a family within the program, and just bring everybody together. I think the main piece was, why are we here if we are not having fun? If you’re doing something, you should have passion and have fun,” Mosley says.
Senior Riley Borrowman emphasized the impact Coach Mosley has had on the team and how he keeps them going on the court.
“I think [Mosley] has helped us with changing our perspectives during games and practices because he has a very positive mindset. His talks during timeouts are filled with motivation to keep us going,” Borrowman said.
Creating a strong team bond has been incredibly important for the team as they make their way through the season. Having stable, close relationships helps the team on and off the court.
“Last year we only had a few seniors, so the players now have been playing for multiple years together and now that we are older we have that team chemistry that you want on the court,” Borrowman said. “Especially our juniors, they have been playing together since 7th grade, and know how to work and calm each other down. The team overall has the friendship build, rather than being just teammates.”
Junior Ava Flanigan shared how she will remember this team’s bond beyond just the success.
“We are all so close on and off the court, which also helps when we do play. The energy everybody gives is such a positive environment to be around and you always know they will have your back if you aren’t having a good day,” Flanigan said.
Making it so far in this season required determination and perseverance amongst the entire OPV program.
“We are a team from 1 to 12. We work together and we communicate well. Next to being a team I think we have a hard work ethic, and our mental game is very very strong for a young age group,” Mosley said.
The goal they’ve had all season to dominate on the court did not go unnoticed after winning their first regional game against Yorkville. The girls showed out and advanced to regional finals, where they will go head to head with Plainfield North. The next match up for OPV is at Plainfield North High School on Thursday, Oct. 26th at 6:00 p.m.
My name is Jaylene Tinajero Garcia, and this is my second year being a part of 42fifty. I am a senior in high school. I am on the varsity cheer team. I love taking photos and videos of nature in my free time. I am really excited to start my career as a journalist.
My name is Miranda Cook, and this is my second year being a part of 42Fifty! I am a senior at OHS, and I am on the varsity cheer team. I enjoy taking photos and hanging out with my friends in my free time, and I cannot wait to continue my career in journalism!
