Consistency in Focus: LuHi Volleyball Finds Its Stride Under Coach John Spateri
LuHi volleyball entered this season with high expectations. The program is coming off multiple PSAA championships, and first-year head coach John Spateri gave his group one clear goal: consistency.
“Our goal has been consistency,” Spateri said. “This team has great energy, and they’re an exciting group to work with.”
The season opened with a tough stretch, as the Crusaders fell to Trevor Day, Rye Country Day and Ethical Culture Fieldston. They answered quickly. LuHi swept The Knox School 3-0 on September 22 and beat The Stony Brook School 3-1 the next day. After a road loss at Packer Collegiate, the Crusaders bounced back with a 3-0 sweep of Kew-Forest on September 28.
Then came Portledge on October 2. Just shy of the season’s halfway point, Spateri called it a turning point.
“As a team, we’ve been focused on our consistency, and this was a game where that focus truly became evident,” Spateri said. “Not only did I see the connection on the court, but our focus and hard work showed. Individually, our stats turned into some of the best we’ve had all season.”
The biggest difference, he said, was mental. “Nothing distracted us. It was a huge moment of growth for this team.”
Much of that connection starts with Mia Scannell, who has done a tremendous job uniting this group on and off the court. Coach refers to Mia as a glue teammate!
LuHi has kept building since, including a second 3-0 sweep of Kew-Forest on October 14. Now 8-3, the Crusaders head into the second half of the season focused on bringing that same level of play to every match as they chase another PSAA title.
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