District is just around the corner, and as the tournament season just wrapped up for the Battlin’ Billie volleyball team, they continue to prove that they are a top contender for a district championship. Leading this incredible team are six seniors, including Clara Pluenneke, Sydney Schandua, Jenna Wallendorf, Zoe Aldrich, Sarah Stafford, and Madisyn Jones. 

Schandua and Pluenneke have been playing together for almost 10 years, and they have a chemistry like no other. While this is their last season together, this middle blocker/setter duo is ready to put up a fight. With the help of Schandua’s 342 assists, Pluenneke has 232 kills on the season, and that number continues to climb. 

Although they don’t particularly want to speak on the end just yet, Schandua said, “Volleyball brought us our friendship, and I can’t believe this journey is coming to an end. This sport has always been there and has brought me so many great friends and memories. I can’t imagine life without it.”

With 238 digs on the season, Wallendorf, also known as “Jen Jen,” is the third piece of this unstoppable team. Her underclassmen teammates look up to her and appreciate the energy she offers on and off the court. While she has been on varsity for three years, she was out for seven months due to an ACL injury. She has now recovered and her team could not be more excited to have her back as libero.

Aldrich is a four-year starting outside hitter and has been playing volleyball for almost 10 years alongside Sydney Schandua, Jenna Wallendorf, Clara Pluenneke and Sarah Stafford. Zoe Aldrich plans to continue her volleyball career throughout college, but while she is still at FHS, she pushes the team to overcome adversity. Throughout Aldrich’s four years, her team has faced challenges collectively and individually. Aldrich always tries to bring her team together and overcome as one. 

Although injured, Stafford is still cheering on her team from the sidelines. She has implemented the “goat squad”, and created cheers that allow the bench to be more involved in the game. The goat squad is a small group of players whose main goal is to cheer on their team. 

Jones is new to FHS this year, but she has been playing volleyball for years. Originally from Boerne, the move to Fredericksburg was full of uncertainty.  During this new journey, Jones has been cheering on her team as well as adjusting to FHS. She is not here for long though as she is committed to further her volleyball career at the University of North Texas. 

When asked about their teammates, younger players have great things to say about their leaders. “They’re always supportive and uplifting. They love to have fun and are fun to be around,” junior Anna Terry said. 

Rebecca Stafford, a younger sister to Sarah Stafford, said, “They have been a part of my life since I can remember, and have always cheered me on. Volleyball won’t be the same without them.” This team grew up together, and as they head into district, they are ready to bring home a championship they have been dreaming about since they were eight years old.