by Madelyn Awwad ‘27 and Kenley Jacobs ‘27

Sherwood’s co-ed volleyball team is off to a 7-1 start and once again looks like one of the stronger teams in MCPS, but this season comes with a different kind of pressure. With MCPS set to end co-ed volleyball after this year and replace it with boys’ JV programs in spring 2027, this is the final season of the sport in the county. After reaching finals the past two years, this is the Warrior’s’ final chance to bring it home.

Last season, the Warriors were one of the top teams in the county. They went 14-1 and opened the year on a 13-game win streak, winning every regular season game with ease (3-0). Sherwood made it to the championship but lost to Rockville in a five-set match. It was a close game that could have gone either way, and it’s still motivating the team this season.

This year’s roster looks a lot different. Sherwood graduated eight seniors, including several key players from last year’s team. Now, a younger group, mostly sophomores and freshmen, has stepped into bigger roles. Early on, that showed at times, especially against stronger teams, but the group has started to settle in. The younger players are getting more comfortable, and the returning players have stepped up and brought leadership onto the court.

Sherwood opened the season with a 3-0 loss to Churchill on March 20. Since then, they beat Wheaton 3-1 on March 23, swept Watkins Mill 3-0 on March 25, and pulled out a huge 3-2 win at Springbrook on March 27. They followed that with a 3-0 win over Gaithersburg on April 8 and a 3-1 win at Blake on April 10. During this stretch, the team has looked more composed, especially in close sets.

Across the county, there isn’t much separation between the top teams. Churchill still looks like the team to beat, while Clarksburg and Quince Orchard have the depth to compete with anyone. Sherwood is right near that group. B-CC has also improved and could impact the standings, so a few matches will likely decide playoff seeding.

Sherwood’s lineup is starting to come together. Junior captain Maya Dorsam runs the offense at setter, while junior captain Claire Strosnider anchors the defense at libero. On the outside, senior captain Ben Kauffmann and senior Chase Jenkins have been the main scoring options.

As the season continues, Sherwood is focused on improving and staying consistent. With this being the final season of co-ed volleyball in MCPS, the goal is to make a good run and finish with a championship title once and for all.