![Prom king Colin Napier and queen Leah Hopkins dance the night away during the Golden Gala on April 26th. Prior to the prom, the Student Government must make many preparations over the course of months in order to ensure it goes off without a hitch. However, their work eventually pays off when it comes time for the dance. “We set up [the prom] the day before, and it’s horrible. We’re there for a very long time, and then we get our beauty sleep, and then we get ready for prom the next day,” Aubrie Sandifer said.](https://oviedojournalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Oviedo-197-800x1200.jpg)
The Oviedo Lions girls varsity volleyball set the tone for the season with a five set win at Lake Brantley, leading them into the sweet spot for the Seminole Athletic Conference where they currently stand undefeated at 5-0.
“At the Nike Tournament of Champions in Gainesville, we battled hard against top competition, including defending 7A State Champion Plant and state-ranked #5 Orangewood Christian, gaining experience despite falling short in extra sets,” coach Jennifer Darty said.
Although the team is leading an impressive opening to the season with strong progress and numerous wins, they are still pushing to improve.
“Our goals this season are to keep getting better every day,” said Darty.
Darty wants the team to focus on building strong connections in addition to improving as a team throughout the season.
“[Darty] pushes us to become a group, and we also are able to be around both varsity and freshmen to build a connection with them as well. Our program allows us to be around and bond with other girls,” Skyler Robinson, JV team player, said. “Darty is very sweet and kind to us. We’re like a family.”
Darty believes that building relationships and staying resilient and disciplined are some of the most important ways to get stronger as a whole.
“We want to put ourselves in a position to be playing our best volleyball when it matters most at the end of the season,” Darty said. “So far, the group has worked hard, shown a lot of growth, and we’re excited about the progress we’re making.”
Darty uses positive words and reinforcements to help encourage the teams.
“She corrects you while you’re making mistakes so it doesn’t happen again,” freshman team player Avery Masters said.
“In the last two seasons, we have lost in the Region Final in the fifth set in extra points, 20-18,” Darty said.
Because of these consistently close losses, Darty set expectations for the team to rise above challenges, win the Region Championship, and earn the chance to compete for a State Championship.
She makes sure the team works towards their goals and comes back from losses. “She reminds you of your goals so you strive to achieve them,” says Masters. Coach Darty motivates the team to rebound from losses.
