Name: Priya Mahabir

Sport: JV volleyball

Grade: Sophomore

How long have you been playing volleyball?

“I haven’t been playing volleyball very long; it’s only been a few years. I started in eighth grade thinking I wasn’t going to make it because I hadn’t even thought of volleyball until a week before tryouts.”

What other sports do you play at FHC?

“I also play softball; it’s more of my main sport. I’ve been playing softball ever since I was little with my grandpa. It was a tradition in my family to either play softball or baseball. Being on varsity softball has been an amazing experience with different people and players, but I do enjoy volleyball when softball season hasn’t started.”

What is your best memory from your time playing volleyball?

“My best memory was last year during a day-long tournament and winning the silver bracket. I was going between playing middle and playing outside because one of our teammates was sick. Our very last game had the best turnout because we won even with our coach gone and a teammate’s mom trying to be our coach and encouraging us.”

Who is the biggest influence in your athletic career and why?

“My biggest influence on my career would have to be my dad; he always pushes me to practice constantly, no matter if I just came back from practice. He’s always willing to help me or take me to either a volleyball court or a batting cage to help me improve my skills. I know my dad had a tougher life than I have now, but he still made time to practice basketball every time he had the chance, no matter if it was day or night, and no one told him that he had to do that; he did that on his own without any help.”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

“My grandpa was a professional athlete over 50 years ago; he’s my favorite professional athlete. He played baseball, and I would always watch him when I was little. He gave me my first bat and glove. He also had a difficult life growing up, but he was able to play baseball all throughout high school, play it for college, and professionally play. Now he’s a coach and empire to many different teams, and he and I play every time I’m able to see him.”

What are your individual goals for this season?

“My goal for this season is to be able to consistently block and hit; a majority of the time, I can hit well, and I block well, but I want to be able every single time, no matter how much it takes of me.

What are the strengths of this year’s team?

“This year, my team is very supportive of each other, and we pick each other up through hard times on and off the court. We’re able to work together as a group, and it’s not six single people out on the court. We’re able to communicate with each other when there’s something that we could’ve done better or when something unexpected can happen when we’re playing games.”

What is your favorite class this year and why?

“Currently, my favorite class is Physics, and since I don’t have a break in my day, my most calm class is Physics. I don’t have a break within my day because my electives are French Three and Algebra Two. Physics is still learning, but it’s fun and more interactive than my other classes, where you just sit there for an hour and listen.”