Brianna Johnson
"My hitting, blocking, and aggressiveness at the net play a major part in the game," Johnson said. "My overall aggressiveness during the game comes naturally."
Johnson only started playing volleyball in the seventh grade. She struggled initially. But it didn't take long for her to find a niche because of her raw physical talent.
"I realized my potential with hitting and blocking," Johnson said. "I just knew that I would be great at this sport."
Johnson spoke more with VYPE.
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VYPE: You had a strong season last year. What do you credit for your success last season and how do you think you can be even better this season?
JOHNSON: I would give a lot of credit to all of my coaches at Marshall. During the offseason, I took a deeper look into my weaknesses, studied film from previous games and questioned how I could become a better player to contribute towards the team.
VYPE: What did you work on this offseason in preparation for the upcoming season?
JOHNSON: I put a lot of focus on passing. Ultimately, I knew that if I could improve my passing skills, then I could increase my chances of becoming an all- around player.
VYPE: What has been your biggest growth/ improvement as a volleyball player, on and off the court?
JOHNSON: My greatest improvement is learning how to become a better leader for my team. I've also learned how to humble myself, take more consideration into my actions and lead by example.
VYPE: Who motivates you and inspires you?
JOHNSON: My grandmother and brother continue to be my motivation and inspire me daily to become the best player I can be.
VYPE: What is something people don't know about you? What is something that might be misunderstood?
JOHNSON: Honestly, I'm a very open-minded individual, so there's not a lot that people don't know about me. But some people may take my aggressiveness on the court as me being rude, but I just want them to have the same passion as I do for this sport.
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
Faith Hawkins, Willowridge
"I know I have to play and move faster," Hawkins said of the transition to varsity volleyball from JV last year. "It's tough. It's not smooth. JV was a pretty slow game, and on varsity the game moves fast. You have to play as a team more if you want to win."
Blocking is a strength of Hawkins'. During the offseason, she trained with club coaches and played in spring and summer leagues.
That's a lot of volleyball, but it paid off.
"My swing is better. I've learned different types of sets," said Hawkins, who was more of an all-around player on JV. "This is a new position for me this year. I keep learning more and more."
Hawkins spoke more with VYPE.
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VYPE: When did you start playing volleyball and what was it about the game you fell in love with?'
HAWKINS: I started in seventh grade. When I got to middle school, I didn't even know volleyball was a sport. After I played it, though, I just loved it.
VYPE: The middle is a position you have to be strong offensive and defensively. Which comes easier to you?
HAWKINS: Defense. I cover pretty well, and I block well. My coach has really helped me get my vertical up, so I'm working on my jumping.
VYPE: What motivates or inspires you?
HAWKINS: My family. I'm actually the first person to play volleyball in my family. They support me a lot and keep me going.
VYPE: What is something people don't know about you?
HAWKINS: I think people see all of me. In order to play volleyball, you have to have fun, or it's not going to be right. Celebrating points with teammates ... it's fun to win. Nobody likes losing.
VYPE: What are your expectations for yourself and your team this season?
HAWKINS: As a team, I want to make it to the playoffs. It has been a while. For myself, I just want to continue getting better. There's always room for improvement.
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
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