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WEEK of November 12, 2007 |
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Viva Volleyball at BFS! The Panther volleyball program had a sensational season this fall. The varsity team (20-5) won the GISAL Championship and competed in the New York State independent school championship tournament; the middle school team (15-1) also won a league championship, and the junior varsity team represented the school in an exemplary fashion in interscholastic play throughout NYC. The season also was notable in that three alumnae and former varsity players—Julie Webber ’00, Jazlyn Montanez ’98, and Cassie Broadus-Foote ‘01—were assistant coaches on the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams. In the following article, BFS writer Jeffrey Stanley provides a glimpse into the relationships and experiences shared by all the coaches and the ways in which our young players are continuing the strong BFS athletic tradition. Alums Back in Action by Jeffrey Stanley This year’s BFS volleyball season is a class reunion of sorts, with three varsity alums back to coach. This isn’t the first time alums have returned to coach, but it’s the first year we’ve had three alums, Jazelyn Montanez ’98, Cassie Broadus-Foote ’01 and Julie Weber ’00 coaching the same sport at the same time. “This program is like my baby,” said Coach Marna Herrity, who this year is coached the middle school team with assistant coach Cassie Broadus-Foote ‘01. Coach Marna, who had been a member of the ladies collegiate team when at Kenyon College and began coaching at BFS in 1986, talks about the BFS teams like a proud mother. “We had a middle school team and a varsity team,” she recalled. “Once the varsity team began attracting over 18 players, I started the junior varsity program in 1994.” The program has continued to grow, with this year’s three teams composed of more than 40 girls. In the past ten years, coached first by Marna and later by Felix Alberto, our volleyball players have become a force to be reckoned with, the varsity team winning either the league or the play-offs every year between 1997 and 2005. This year, the varsity team won the GISAL league championship title and was in the running to be play-off champions in both the GISAL and ACIS leagues. Coach Marna’s middle school team finished with a 15-1 record. They won the Poly Prep middle school invitational and took the GISAL league championship title. Marna’s assistant coach this season was Cassie Broadus-Foote, a BFS lifer who graduated from Hobart and William Smith College in 2005 with a degree in psychology. “Teaching and taking care of children and playing volleyball have been my passion since I was in 6th grade,” she said. “That’s why it’s so exciting for me to be coaching the middle school girls. Their positive energy and the fun they have playing remind me of my time as a Brooklyn Friends athlete.” “Cassie has been great helping me train and motivate the players,” said Marna of her assistant coach. “They really listen to her when she says, ‘It wasn’t that long ago when I was a player here, I remember what it was like having to work hard to be my best.’” An assistant coach on the varsity team last season, Cassie also teaches volleyball in the AM Sports program for 5th and 6th graders and is an Assistant Teacher in the BFS Family Center. She has maintained her love of the game through beach volleyball, coaching, and most recently, membership on a women’s club team. What makes volleyball so special to Cassie the athlete? “It’s a team sport but it also demands individual effort, skill, and personal excellence – a great combination.” Varsity coach Felix Alberto, who has been coaching volleyball since his arrival at BFS in 1997, calls it the best sport out there. “I like that it requires constant teamwork, an awareness of others on your team, and great resolve.” Felix himself has competed in numerous volleyball tournaments over the years so he speaks from experience. “I love the fact that every point counts. You get to learn a lot about people depending on how they carry themselves on the court.” His assistant coach Julie Weber agrees. “Volleyball is a true team sport. One person, no matter how good, cannot win the game. It takes the whole team.” Julie earned a BA in English and World Literature from Pitzer College and an MS in Teaching English from Fordham’s Graduate School of Education at Lincoln Center. As an undergrad she played on collegiate and club leagues. After returning to New York for grad school she played in the Urban Professionals and Big City leagues. Julie says she hopes she is an effective and positive role model for the players both as an athlete and as a career professional. “They know that I’ve been where they are, literally, and Felix was also my varsity coach. I hope they understand that the lessons learned on the court translate directly into real life. It sounds corny,” she admits, “but it’s true.” “We learn a lot from each other,” said Felix. “We work well together supporting the team. It’s rewarding to see that Julie continues sharing her love for the game, and it’s a great way to celebrate the Upper School’s 100th year.” Junior varsity coach Staci Otto, in her third year of coaching at BFS, says she likes the game’s volatility. “It’s the type of sport than can change in an instant.” She discovered volleyball in sixth grade and has been playing ever since, including at the collegiate level. Of her assistant coach Jazelyn Montanez she says, “Jazz is great. She and I get along well. She has a lot of energy and enthusiasm and brings good experience to the team.” Jazelyn started BFS in ninth grade and played volleyball all four years of Upper School. “Before that I used to run track,” she said. “That’s an individual sport. It was very comfortable here at BFS working with a volleyball team. Everybody has to contribute to score a point. We had a lot of heart and lot of hard work.” Her senior year was the first year Felix Alberto coached the team. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” she said of the 97-98 season. “That was the first year we won in both leagues and the first time we beat Packer in 13 years.” Jazz went on to get a degree in Media & Communications from SUNY Old Westbury and played volleyball for their NCAA Division III team. She was MVP three years in a row. She couldn’t be happier as a BFS assistant coach now. “It’s just so much fun. I still love playing it; I love teaching it. It’s all about learning something that relates to everyday life: it’s a game you can’t play on your own.” “The BFS Volleyball program is very fortunate to have alums Julie, Jazz, and Cassie working with our athletes,” said Athletic Director David Gardella at the end of the season. “I can still remember them as players here at BFS. Alums returning to their alma mater to coach is a true benefit to our program.” For those in the community who don’t understand our volleyball coaches’ enthusiasm and dedication to the sport or for those who have yet to see the teams in action, Coach Staci has a dare for next year. “Try to catch at least one game. You might get hooked.”
also this week:
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