When it comes to leadership on a high school sports team, that task oftentimes falls to the seniors.
Although some teams will sport some outstanding freshmen or sophomores, the talents only go so far. Despite all that great talent, a younger athlete simply does not have the same experience level as a senior or even a junior for that matter.
If you look at the Mission Bay girls volleyball team under head coach Steve Upp, talent and leadership is most notably identified by a trio of senior captains.
Alex Briski, Maddie Tandy and Samantha Zambrano have all been with the varsity program since their sophomore seasons.
As the 2016 season unfolds, Upp is looking for his tri-captains to be the spark necessary to take the Bucs to great heights.
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with the trio for an email interview, looking at this season, the girls’ goals, and advice for potential upcoming players. BBP – As tri-captains, how do you see your roles on the team as leaders?
Zambrano – As a tri-captain, I see myself as a leader who continues to push the team forward both in games and in practice. I constantly motivate the team to play at the best of our abilities in order to result in success.
Tandy – My role as a tri-captain is to push my team to the best they can be. Last year we got so far making it to CIF finals. I hope that with our leadership we will push our team to be as great as we were last year. BBP – Being it is your final season of volleyball at MBHS, how do you want to go out?
Zambrano – With this being my last year playing volleyball at MB, I am determined to make it far in playoffs and hopefully win CIF. Winning league for a second year in a row would also be a huge accomplishment for our program. After losing in CIF finals last year, I’m ready for us to come back with a vengeance and a drive to win. 
Tandy – Since this is our last year at MBHS I want to make this season great and leave a legacy.
Briski – As my final season takes way I’m hoping we can repeat the success of last season but the primary goal is to improve and do as well as we can.  BBP – Does this year’s team have the talent and drive to go far? If so, what is it about this group of girls and the coaching?
Zambrano – Although we lost some key players last year, I do believe that this year’s team still has the ability to go far. We are all eager to win and improve our game altogether and I know coach Steve is going to push us so that we can do so. 
Tandy – I think our team this year has a huge possibility of making it far, not only in league but in CIF. This group of girls has the best team spirit that we have ever had. Our coach has also been pushing us to work harder this year.
Briski – Although this team is much less experienced than last year’s, we have a solid core and an extremely supportive program behind us.  BBP – What are some highlights from your careers at Mission Bay?
Zambrano – The most significant highlight of my volleyball career here at MB is definitely our last CIF semifinal game versus Christian. After we scored the winning point of the most intense game I’ve ever played (the score was 34-32), everyone on the bleachers rushed the court and cheered for us and it was the most exhilarating and best feeling in the world. I still get excited when I watch the game point highlight. 
Tandy – Some individual highlights that I have had are as freshman I made JV and won the award for Most Valuable Player. The next three years I have played varsity volleyball and in my junior I was chosen first team all-league. As a team, we won league and made CIF finals in my junior year.
Briski – Last season was definitely huge for us; winning league and making CIF finals, both of which are firsts for Mission Bay.  BBP – For any underclassmen thinking of coming out for volleyball next season, what advice would you give them?
Zambrano – I would tell any underclassmen thinking of playing volleyball to train hard and really have the drive to play intensely because that’s what makes our team so great; we truly want it and will get past any obstacle together as a team. 
Tandy – Some advice that I would give the underclassmen coming up would be to push yourself and not let your mistakes get in your head. Volleyball is a very mental game because every point someone wins and loses, but the key is to not let your mistakes effect your playing. Briski – For any underclassmen considering playing volleyball next year I say go for it. Playing volleyball was definitely my favorite activity during high school. Tryouts are during the summer and it never hurts to practice a little – even if it’s just passing against a wall – before them. Come with a positive attitude any you’ll be great! 
While Mission Bay has a number of talented young ladies ready to take the volleyball program to new heights, the tri-captains will definitely set the tone. After last year’s success, one would think there are even more rewards coming for these Bucs. Editor’s note: If you know of an athlete on a fall Mission Bay varsity team that might make a good feature Q&A, email Dave Thomas at: [email protected].