The heat of the moment on the court. The intense back and forth with the ball between the two teams. Libero players diving and scraping their knees to save the ball from hitting the ground, leaving the setter to spike it on the other team’s court. For WCHS senior and Girls Varsity Volleyball player Kareena Rathnam, a game is not just about winning, but also about the emotional connection. The sport runs deep in Rathnam’s family and was a foundational part of her upbringing.
“I have been playing volleyball for seven years now, starting when my dad got me into the sport,” Rathnam said, “Growing up, I used to watch him play at tournaments and even coach at [WCHS]. When I tried volleyball for myself, I fell in love with the sport. The fast-paced and competitive environment made me eager to keep playing.”
Rathnam has been playing volleyball with the WCHS team as a defensive specialist and libero since her freshman year. As one of the few freshmen to make the varsity team, Rathnam has always had to prove herself to her coaches and teammates. She has always put in as much effort as she could to become the best.
“As a four-year starter on varsity, I have had to use my experience to step up and lead my team by example,” Rathnam said. “This means always putting 110% effort into practice and games and communicating when we struggle. I have also learned to practice with intention, so instead of just going through the motions, I set goals for myself each day to grow as a player.”
At WCHS, certain high school experiences may not be understood by an athlete’s friends. Non-athletes may be confused by the real issues within a student athlete’s sport and what is stressing them out. But Rathnam knows that she can always rely on her teammates to be a part of her emotional support system, whether it is in the game or out.
“My favorite thing about being a part of the team is the endless support I get from my teammates,” Rathnam said. “Both on and off the court, I have found incredible people who don’t stop believing in me even when I don’t believe in myself. My teammates have pushed me to grow as both a player and a person by helping me gain confidence and setting an example that inspires me to get [improve].”
Rathnam is in her final year playing volleyball at WCHS and is ready to cement her legacy. The WCHS Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team has maintained a strong season and is ready to seek vengeance against a frequent competitor.
“My biggest motivation this year has been my hunger to beat the defending state champs: Richard Montgomery High School (RM),” Rathnam said. “Many of us know RM’s best players and have played side-by-side with them during club season, so playing them is always personal. Our two main goals this season are to win states and to beat RM. As a captain, I am doing my best to remind the team of those goals and ensuring them that these goals are achievable as long as we put in the work.”
Rathnam has been a strong force within the WCHS Girls’ Volleyball team. Making an impact on all of her teammates, WCHS senior Brooke Roberts has been able to see the direct effects of being around Rathnam.
“It’s been fun working with [Rathnam],” Roberts said. “She is always encouraging the best from everyone.”
For many athletes, saying goodbye to their team is one of the most difficult things they can do. Rathnam has been able to soak up every single intense moment of the fall 2024 season and reflect on the legacy she will leave behind.
“It feels surreal to know that I won’t be playing next year and I don’t think it has completely hit me yet,” Rathnam said. “Volleyball has brought me so much joy and incredible memories over the past four years, so I know I will be devastated when it’s over. It makes me sad to think about leaving my teammates and coaches, but I find comfort in knowing that I will visit as much as possible after I graduate.”
