GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Andrean athletics transition from summer to in-season

What’s recently happened?

On July 14, the Andrean High School Volleyball Program kicked off its annual Kids’ Camp, an event that has become a tradition for the school’s athletic department. From 9 a.m.-12 p.m., the Andrean gym fluttered with excitement, as kids from schools across the Region arrived ready to play in the spirit of Andrean volleyball.

The camp welcomed students from a variety of schools including St. Michael School in Schererville, St. Mary School in Crown Point, and St. John Evangelist School in St. John. All grades were encouraged to participate, and both boys and girls had the chance to learn. The focus of the camp was to teach core, fundamental volleyball skills while creating a love for the game. The current Andrean volleyball players worked directly with the campers, teaching drills, giving tips, and sharing their own experiences about the program.

Coaches Grant Bell and Liam Flaherty, who have been the long-standing leaders of the program, have always emphasized the importance of building relationships with young athletes. For them, the camp is not just about fun and volleyball; it’s about creating a path for future players. They understand that moments like these can inspire young athletes to one day wear the Andrean volleyball jersey.

The Andrean Volleyball Program has a proud tradition. The girls’ team has won State twice, first in 2017 and then in 2021. The Andrean Boys’ Volleyball Program made its debut in 2022 and is actively recruiting new talent to strengthen its roster, led by strong players like Trevor Prisby and Andrew Uhrick. With these goals in mind, the camp plays a vital role in connecting with the next generation of Andrean athletes.

Senior Middle Hitter Lizzie Cusick was one of the key leaders at this year’s camp, bringing her energy and experience to the court. She knows the impact that events like this can have.

“The kids’ camp is amazing for the future of Andrean volleyball. I remember when I was that age, the influence of the seniors working the kids camp had really inspired me to keep playing and to come to Andrean. Now, I see it’s also so important for our team as well. Watching young girls fall in love with the sport just like I did, and being able to have one-on-one time with them, reminds me of why I started playing and why I love Andrean volleyball.”

Many students left the gym with smiles, and a deeper passion for the sport. To keep that connection strong, the young athletes are invited back on August 19 to watch the Lady Niners’ season opener. For many of them, it may be the first time they see the high school team compete in a real match. This moment could spark dreams of their own athletic future in the walls of Andrean.

What’s coming up?

While the volleyball season is just around the corner, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Andrean’s football season is approaching, and fans won’t have to wait long to see the Fighting 59ers take initiative. On August 15, the team will hold its first event of the year with the annual scrimmage against Lake Central High School. While it’s not an official game, it has become a pivotal and beloved tradition and an exciting way to set the tone for the season ahead.

This year’s football schedule includes plenty of competition, including the intense Battle of Broadway and an exciting new matchup against the Fort Wayne Bishop Luers High School.

“All summer long, we installed plays and focused on the little things in our technique that we lacked the previous year or paid little attention towards,” Senior Team Member Sergio Araiza said. “My prediction for this year is that we win the North Central Conference (NCC) conference title and have a deep playoff run. The goal for our team is to not split the NCC title and hopefully go to State.”

With three State championships already in their history, the 59ers are hungry for success. Araiza’s words reflect the team’s hunger to continue that tradition. From the off-season workouts to the careful attention to detail in practices, the team is working to ensure they’re prepared for every challenge ahead.

Community member spotlight:

Cheerleading often works behind the scenes, but it’s a sport that requires just as much effort and dedication as all the others. Senior Farrah Blankenship, a four year member of Andrean’s cheer team, has been a constant source of leadership since her freshman year. Known for her encouraging attitude and commitment, Blankenship has not only grown as an athlete at our school, but has also set her eyes on continuing her cheer career at Florida Atlantic University.

“I’m working toward getting specific stunting skills and getting my tumbling skills up. Cheerleading has helped me because it made me branch out and talk to new people who I otherwise probably wouldn’t be friends with,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship’s perspective shows how cheerleading extends beyond the sidelines. It builds confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills. As football season is coming up, the cheer team has been training with the same dedication as the players they cheer for. Conditioning, practicing routines, and perfecting stunts have all been part of their summer agenda.

“It’s also helped me realize that I really can do anything I put my mind to. A lot of hard work goes into cheer that people don’t see on the outside. We all have bad days. We still practice like any other sport, we condition like any other sport, and we all have the same mindset as the other sports do in the sense that we still get down on ourselves and we still doubt ourselves,” Blankenship said.

Her words serve as a reminder that cheer is a demanding sport. It’s one that requires physical strength, mental focus, and teamwork. Blankenship’s dedication to improving her tumbling and stunting skills mirrors the commitment of any high level athlete.

As she enters her final year at Andrean, Blankenship reflects the spirit of the school’s athletic program, which includes resilience, passion, and a drive to always push forward. Whether it’s on the court, the field, or the sidelines, Andrean’s athletes are united by a shared determination to represent their school with pride and the strength of Jesus as their teacher.

Blankenship’s journey also serves as inspiration for younger athletes in all sports. She has embraced challenges, committed to her goals, and found joy in helping her team succeed. It’s a combination of personal growth and team spirit that makes her a role model for the next generation of Andrean cheerleaders.