The walls inside the Bishop Eustace Preparatory School gymnasium are a sprawling display of large hanging banners, highlighting decades of winning traditions and athletic achievements.
Got room for one more?
The girls volleyball program, which started varsity play just one year ago, has already earned its first banner, which will need to be squeezed in somewhere along the crowded walls. The Crusaders won 15 games through Oct. 23 and captured the Olympic Conference National Division this fall for the first time. They also qualified to compete in the Non-Public B state tournament next month for the first time in school history.
Not bad for year number two.
“There’s new dynamics with the team this year and new coaches, and we’ve gained a lot of confidence,” senior Kelly Walsh said. “We’re all energetic and positive, and it’s really helped us.”
The Crusaders dipped their toes into the water in 2021 playing a junior varsity schedule only. Last year, they jumped into the deep end of the pool as a varsity program but had zero seniors on the roster, which presented its own challenge. Bishop Eustace still managed a respectable 9-10 record under former coach Jessica DiProspero. This season, Brian Nop took over as coach, leaning heavily on Walsh, Lauren Ladik and Paris Bailey as the only three seniors. But it wasn’t just the Class of 2024 doing the heavy lifting.
“I feel like a lot of the girls really improved,” said Ladik, who recruited players from her former grade school, Saint Joan of Arc School in Marlton. “We brought in a lot of freshmen that have been contributing.”
This season started off a bit slow as the Crusaders were 4-4 on Sept. 22. But a six-game winning streak unearthed new confidence in a team that was just realizing its potential. The streak included statement wins against established programs like Shawnee and Seneca.
“As soon as we beat Shawnee, I thought we could definitely get somewhere,” Ladik said. “I thought maybe we could get a banner. I’m so happy and so honored to be a part of this school. It’s amazing.”
Sometime soon, the first volleyball banner will be raised in the Bishop Eustace gymnasium with the 2023 Olympic National champions recognized on it. It might have been a far-fetched idea before the season, but team members started to believe it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility as the matches got going.
“We just wanted to win and do well. I know we always had the ability,” junior Lyla Kirchner said. “And the more you win, the more energy you build off of.”
Walsh agreed.
“It was definitely a surprise at first, but it’s really great,” said Walsh, who plans to study biology and marine science next year. “This is the first time the varsity team has had any seniors on it. The process has been fun, and it’s been great being able to help everyone out.”
Ladik is excited to study physical therapy and possibly play Division 3 volleyball next year. She’s just as thrilled at the tradition she helped build at Bishop Eustace during a remarkable season.
“Everyone is so much more into it this year,” Ladik said. “Everyone has been a great teammate, working together. I’m just so excited and so proud of this team and how far the program has come.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
