Lake Highland Preparatory School is celebrating the start of a new season for its varsity volleyball team, which captured the state championship in 2024. Although the team graduated nine Seniors, the Highlanders remain focused on building a strong, competitive squad that can continue their legacy of success. Anticipation is building for a season full of growth, resilience, and thrilling performances. With a tradition of excellence that includes seven state titles, the program is no stranger to rising to challenges. This year, the team looks to balance rebuilding with the drive to defend their championship title.
The team has adopted a guiding theme for the season: Muditia. This is a Latin term meaning to support the success of others. This mindset has shaped the team’s culture both on and off the court, fostering an environment of trust, encouragement, and collaboration. Head Coach Katie Gallagher said the theme helps the players focus on lifting one another up: “Muditia reminds us that true success isn’t just about winning matches, it’s about celebrating each other’s growth and achievements along the way.” By teaching athletes to support each other, the program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership, values that will stay with players long after their time at Lake Highland.
Lake Highland’s volleyball program is rich in history and boasts numerous achievements. The team has won seven state championships, including titles in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2019, and 2024. The squad has also dominated district and regional competitions from 2019 through 2023. These accomplishments reflect a long-standing tradition of excellence, resilience, and dedication, setting the standard for current and future Highlanders. Today’s athletes look to this legacy as motivation, pushing themselves to honor the program’s history while writing their own chapter of success. The tradition of winning serves not only as a reminder of what has been achieved, but also as inspiration for what is still possible.
The Highlanders have already demonstrated their determination with a preseason match victory against Bishop Moore High School. This early success shows that the team’s dedication to Muditia is paying off, creating momentum as they prepare for the season ahead. The team has carried that momentum into regular season play, starting with an impressive 4–0 record. Each match has showcased their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to working together on and off the court. Younger players have stepped into key roles while returning athletes continue to provide leadership, creating a balanced and unified roster. With strong team chemistry and a culture built on discipline and joy, the Highlanders are proving themselves as one of the most competitive squads in the region. The combination of experience and strong leadership promises an exciting season as the team works to defend its championship title.
The program emphasizes developing student-athletes both on and off the court. Practices focus not only on game strategy and skill-building but also on creating affirming experiences and building lasting memories. Returning players mentor newer teammates, sharing techniques and lessons learned from past competitions, helping everyone integrate seamlessly into the team. Alex Kennedy, grade 11, Varsity Volleyball Junior Captain shared, “I help the younger players adjust to the team by comforting them and reminding them that I am always here for them. I remind them that I was in their shoes and I understand what they are going through, so they can always come talk to me. Additionally, I always encourage them to turn their focus on their teammates and their successes, which is always helpful for embracing Mudita.” Alex’s explanation of how the team’s culture is run at LHP highlights how the team fosters leadership and growth at all levels.
Coaches and families alike are enthusiastic about the season ahead. With a strong culture built on Muditia, players are encouraged to excel individually while contributing to the team’s collective success. Parents are reassured that the program focuses on the holistic development of each athlete, balancing competition with personal growth, teamwork, and academic achievement. Isabella Umpierre, grade 12, Varsity Volleyball Captain, added to this stating how “I think we all try to balance the pressure by staying focused on this season and group of girls. For me, I try to take each game one at a time, still working hard to ultimately try and win again, but also enjoying little moments along the way.” Her perspective reflects the heart of the program, staying grounded in teamwork while still striving for excellence. It highlights how the culture of Muditia helps players manage pressure, find joy in the process, and build lifelong skills beyond the court.
Senior captain Juli Rosario-Mendez explained how this year’s theme of Mudita has shaped her leadership on and off the court. She shared that Mudita, which means, “unselfish joy.” has reminded her to approach every challenge and experience with positivity, no matter the circumstances. For Juli, it is not just about her own performance but about creating an atmosphere where her teammates feel supported, motivated, and celebrated in their successes. She explained that leading with this mindset has given her a greater sense of responsibility, reminding her that leadership is less about being in the spotlight and more about lifting others up. By embracing this approach, she has found strength in knowing that as she supports her teammates. They are also lifting her up in return. This philosophy has helped her foster a culture of trust and encouragement, that continues to define Lake Highland volleyball and inspire the team to chase greatness together.
This season, the Lake Highland varsity volleyball team is more than just a group of athletes. They are a community built on trust, perseverance, and the spirit of Muditia. As they compete, mentor one another, and embrace the challenges ahead, the Highlanders are setting an example of leadership both on and off the court. With a legacy of state championships and a culture focused on supporting each other, this team is poised to make their mark once again. Fans, families, and the entire school community eagerly anticipate the excitement, growth, and achievements that lie ahead.
