The 2020-2021 school year lacked a lot due to the pandemic, but the Kingsway boys varsity volleyball team was nothing but smiles as they won games in the playoffs. They defeated St, Augustine 2-0 in the first round, Washington Township 2-0 in the second round, and Williamstown 2-1 in the quarterfinals before losing to Jackson Memorial in the semi-finals.

Journalism students interviewed boys varsity setter, Dalton Britner to get a deeper understanding of the effect the pandemic has had on senior athletes, specifically and also about his season success. 

Q: What position do you play?

A: “I am the setter. It is the person who sets up the hitters to hit the ball, kind of like the quarterback of a team since you have to orchestrate the offense.”

Q: How is the season going so far?

A: “Right now we are 14-6, 2nd in our conference, and hoping to make it to at least the South Semifinals.” 

Q: Do you plan on continuing with volleyball after high school?

A: “Yeah, I am going to Florida State, and they have a club team I am going to try out for. I’m going to play for their indoor team and their beach club team.“

Q: How has the pandemic affected your volleyball career?

A: “Last year, we were supposed to be really good, but the pandemic ended the run before it even started. So this year, we are trying to make up for the lost time.” 

Q: How do you feel amidst your last few weeks of high school volleyball?

A: “I am going to miss the program and the fun of it, it has helped me view volleyball as more of a passion, and I will never forget the memories. So as I look back, although I will miss my teammates and coaches, I am excited about the future.”

Although sad it had to end on ‘different’ terms this school year, “everything happens for a reason and it made us as teammates closer than ever”, according to Dalton Britner. While a disappointing season due to the circumstances, the team managed to make light of it, and Coach Brent Dudlick, Ryan Novzen, and Farid Syed plan to have an even stronger team next season when the pandemic hopefully fully settles.