Junior Erica Gage fakes a spike to pull the block off the real hitter, senior Becca Hageman, who hits a hard crosscourt shot for the kill and earns another point for the Paly varsity team against Los Altos, Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Paly’s varsity volleyball team has only lost two league matches under team captain Hageman’s leadership. Hageman has utilized her leadership responsibility to motivate and inspire greatness in her teammates.

"[Being captain] means I have to run the team,” Hageman said. “During games I have to motivate and give encouragement. I also have to be a role model during practice and games.”

Coach David Huan is confident in his choice because of Hageman’s obvious experience and leadership on the court.

"Becca was the obvious choice for team captain," Huan said. "I had some other players in mind, but she was the most experienced varsity player. This is her third year on the varsity team and she is the only returning senior who had played club [volleyball]. I also saw her as the only senior who would play in all six spots on the court. I imagined that she would play in every minute of every match."

Hageman has changed her playing style to be more of a leader on the court.

"Before I wasn’t very vocal and I used to work things out myself, but now I have a team to worry about," Hageman said.

Hageman began playing volleyball in sixth grade at Jordan, and has been playing club volleyball for three years. Her experience in club has given her the proper team captain attitude.

"She has played at a very high level, both in high school and Club, and fully understands what it would take to lead a high caliber team,” Huan said. “We have a lot of talented players, but without the proper attitude — one in which Becca brings — that talent would be wasted.”

“A lot of the girls have good attitudes, so I have their help motivating the team,” Hageman said.

Huan worries that the responsibility of captain may be overpowering at times because she is the only team captain this year, but Hageman seems to have it under control.

“It was easy last year because of all the senior leadership we had,” Huan said. “This year, I think she feels as if a lot of the burden is placed on her alone. I am proud of her for having carried this burden, as she has stepped into this role with passion and zeal.”

The player chemistry makes it even easier for Hageman to lead the team and still have fun.

“Our team is such a fun team,” Hageman said. “Before games sometimes we play a song and we all dance around and stuff. Our team is very close so we have good chemistry on the court.”

Hageman is confident that her team will dominate over Gunn Tuesday.

"It’s going to be a good match. I think we have better attitudes [than the Gunn team]. They’re all individual players and we are very much a team, so that gives us the advantage," Hageman said.

Hageman will lead Paly against Gunn Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 6:45 p.m. in the big gym. Adults pay $5 admission, Paly students get in for free, and students from other school can attend in for $3.