Branford Volleyball Eyes Unity and Endurance Heading into 2025 Season
Offseason Goals: Unity and Communication Take Center Stage
After a season that saw players adapting to unfamiliar positions, Branford High School’s girls volleyball team is putting a premium on team cohesion and communication in 2025.
“Our focus is on overall fitness and team play,” said Head Coach Mike Martone. “We experienced some growing pains last season with players out of position, so this year we’re determined to come in more unified and connected.”
Skill Building Beyond the Gym: Camps and League Play
While the team has its scheduled group workouts, many Branford players are taking their development a step further by participating in offseason volleyball camps and competitive leagues. These outside opportunities help build both skill and chemistry—two key ingredients for a successful season.
Roster Turnover Brings New Opportunities
Branford will have big shoes to fill in 2025, with the graduation of both starting outside hitters and a multi-year All-SCC and All-State libero. While these departures mark the end of an era, they also create a new one.
“Transitions like this can be tough,” said Martone, “but they give the next wave of talent the opportunity to step up and shine.”
Breakout Candidates: Veteran Core Poised to Lead
Among the returning standouts, Julianne Henkel, the team’s setter, has made remarkable progress year over year and will be a key playmaker. Lea Sekerovic, a force in the middle, continues to be a reliable presence on both ends of the court. Seniors Erin Murphy, Sophia Tamsin, and Stella Andresen are also expected to play critical leadership roles.
“These players have shown consistent effort, growth, and passion,” said Martone. “They’ll be crucial to our success this year.”
Outworking the Opposition: Commitment to Fitness
If Branford has its way this season, the fifth set will be its strength. The team has doubled down on fitness and endurance, with workouts five days a week and dedicated lifting sessions twice weekly.
“We’re building a team that’s prepared to go the distance,” Martone emphasized. “We want to outlast our opponents, physically and mentally.”
A Coach’s Mindset: Respect, Belief, and Team First
Coach Martone and his staff are embracing a simple but powerful philosophy: teamwork, respect, and belief.
“We want our players to respect the game, respect each other, and believe that every team is beatable,” Martone explained. “That mindset is the foundation of everything we do.”
The Road Ahead: Small School, Big Goals
Competing in one of the most demanding conferences in the state, Branford faces a consistently tough schedule. But Martone sees this as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage.
“We know the SCC is a grind, especially for a smaller school like ours,” he said. “Our first goal is to make the playoffs—once we’re in, anything can happen.”
Share With