As the first varsity games of the 2025 season fall into the books, new team captains are asked to rise to their new leadership positions. But how did they get there?
For reigning state champs women’s varsity volleyball, leadership makes a difference between a successful game and a successful season.
“I would say no matter how old you are, just being someone that the team looks for, for direction, or leadership, somebody that the team feels like they can come to for anything,” said Kiana Johnson.
The process for becoming a captain varies from team to team.
Football took a different route this year when selecting their new team captains.
“This year Coach Potter decided to do something different,” said Gorman. “He wanted to wait through the summer and see who showed up to team lifts, and workouts, see who was being a leader, and then he decided to choose them right before the first game.”
However, for women’s volleyball, “Captains are elected by voting from the team,” according to Jada Johnson.
The role of varsity captain comes with lots of responsibility with leading a team both on and off the field.
“I think we’re big motivators, and the driving factor, especially if we are down or not playing our best, we’re definitely the people to be relied on to motivate the team,” said Henry Vanderhoff, men’s soccer captain.
Similar to Henry, the two women’s volleyball captains want to support their team however necessary on the road to their 3rd state championship in a row.
“Definitely just being open for the team, making sure we’re advocating for the team if there’s issues going on,” Kiana Johnson continued.
Building on Kiana, Jada Johnson added on how they want to keep that high standard that got them to back to back championships titles.
“Yeah, just addressing what needs to be addressed, talking about, expectations, and making sure we’re keeping up the standard of what we want Jesuit volleyball to be about.”
From being big competitors in leagues to guiding their team to winning games, these captains look forward to achieving their goals and upholding legacies.
Vanderoff was on the men’s varsity soccer team last year that beat McMinnville in a PK shootout in the State final game, now he shares his goals for the upcoming season as they defend their trophy.
“My goal is obviously to win the state, but at least make it back. I think on a bigger scale, I really want to win the Metro for the third year in a row,” Henry explained.
Varsity football shares a similar goal this season, also wanting to keep that winning mentality.
“We want to win Metro first, then make it far in playoffs, and win state,” stated Gorman.
