As the gymnasium at Glens Falls echoed with the sound of thundering spikes and deafening cheers, the Fayetteville-Manlius (FM) girls volleyball team found themselves standing on the brink of history. For the first time in the program’s storied history, the Hornets were preparing to compete in a state final, an achievement that seemed improbable only a few short years ago.
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But as they took to the court for the Section III Class AA finals and then into pool play, it became clear that the Fayetteville-Manlius girls volleyball team was not just a group of talented athletes. They were a team driven by purpose, anchored by a simple yet profound motto that had propelled them through each of their victories and challenges: “Push hard on every single play and point, and whether it’s good or bad, move on and push forward.”
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This mantra, repeated before each match and throughout the ups and downs of their season, became their guiding force—a reminder that every point mattered and every setback was an opportunity to grow. In the high-stakes world of state-level competition, where every match could be the one to determine their fate, the Hornets embraced their motto as more than just words; it became their battle cry.
The Road to Glens Falls: A Journey of Resilience
For Fayetteville-Manlius, the path to Glens Falls—the site of the New York State Volleyball Championships—was no easy feat. The Hornets had already faced off against the very best in the state during the regular season, but it was the Class AA sectional finals that truly tested their mettle.
Fayetteville-Manlius squared off against West Genesee, a team with an equally strong record, a rich history of success, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The intensity of the match only further emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, composure, and grit.
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Kalyna Dannenberg, the team’s star senior outside hitter, stepped up when it mattered most. With the match tied and tension running high, Dannenberg’s big hits pushed the Hornets past their rivals, guiding them to a critical victory in the semifinal. Each play seemed to feed off her energy, as her teammates rallied behind her, demonstrating just how much they believed in the team’s collective potential.
“Every time I hit the ball, it wasn’t just for me. It was for the team,” Dannenberg shared after the match. “We’ve been through so much this season, and we knew that this was our time to shine. Our motto helped us stay focused, no matter what was happening on the court. Even when things didn’t go as planned, we just moved on, stayed calm, and kept fighting.”
Her words encapsulated the spirit of the team—no matter the outcome of any individual play, they were always looking to the next point, the next opportunity. It was this mindset that carried them through the trials of pool play and onto the state finals.
A Family-First Mentality
The team’s unity and unshakable belief in each other were cultivated by head coach Courtney Ames, who emphasized not only the importance of skill but the strength of the team bond. Under Ames’ leadership, the Hornets were encouraged to treat each other as family—supporting one another in both victory and defeat. This family-first mentality formed the foundation of their success, as the players trusted in one another and knew they could depend on each other in the most challenging moments.
“Our motto is simple: We’re a family, and we fight for each other,” said junior setter Madison Parker. “Coach Ames always tells us that we should never forget to have each other’s backs. The chemistry we have off the court makes a huge difference on the court. We celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up when things get tough. It’s that sense of family that makes us so strong.”
This sense of togetherness was on full display as the team progressed through the pool-play rounds of the championship tournament, where each victory added another chapter to their journey toward the state final. The intensity and level of competition were unmatched, but the Hornets were determined to prove that they belonged among the state’s elite.
Key Players and Impactful Moments
While Dannenberg’s contributions were undeniable, the Hornets’ success was also fueled by a team effort. From the back row to the front lines, each player stepped up when called upon. Senior libero Alyssa Miller’s defensive precision and relentless digging kept Fayetteville-Manlius in crucial rallies, while sophomore outside hitter Lily Johnson’s sharp serves caught their opponents off guard time and again.
In the pool-play rounds, it was the team’s depth that shone through, with multiple players contributing key points and keeping the pressure on their opponents. The Hornets’ defense, anchored by Miller and Johnson, was nearly impenetrable, and their offensive strikes, led by Dannenberg, had opposing teams scrambling. It was clear that no one player was more important than the collective strength of the team as a whole.
“Every person on this team is a key player,” said senior setter Sophia Gray. “We don’t rely on just one person to get the job done. We trust each other, and that’s what makes us dangerous. We all have different strengths, and when we put them all together, we’re unstoppable.”
A Dream Realized
As the Hornets marched into their first-ever state final match, the reality of their accomplishment began to set in. The team had overcome every challenge, obstacle, and tough opponent along the way, and now, they were on the verge of making history.
“To be here, in this moment, is everything we’ve worked for,” said Parker, her eyes brimming with pride. “It’s more than just about winning a title; it’s about proving that we’ve earned our place on this stage.”
The Hornets’ first appearance in the state final was not just a reflection of their individual talents but a testament to the power of their motto and the strength of their collective will. As they stood in the final huddle before the match, they knew that no matter the outcome, they had already achieved something extraordinary.
“Push hard on every single play and point, and whether it’s good or bad, move on and push forward.” The Hornets lived and breathed this phrase, and it had brought them all the way to the brink of greatness.
For the Fayetteville-Manlius girls volleyball team, their journey was far from over, but one thing was certain—the Hornets were ready to make their mark on the state championship, and they would do so together as a family. The final match in Glens Falls was the culmination of everything they had worked for—and, perhaps, the beginning of a new era in Hornets volleyball.
