Three Accomplished Student Athletes Are Captains For Hawthorne Christian Volleyball

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Something that can really help a new coach adjust to the student athletes on the roster-and vice versa-is having dependable, experienced leaders on the team.

That sure is the case for the 2024 Hawthorne Christian Academy girls volleyball program with new coach Christina Kowalew at the helm.

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Victoria Jones (senior), Mia Morales (senior) and Jordan Ng (junior) are the captains for the Defenders this year and they’re going an outstanding job of displaying leadership both on and off the court.

“We actually brainstormed with our team the qualities of good captains and the team voted these girls in,’’ Kowalew said. “Jordan has a strong presence on the court. Her passion is evident and her leadership on and off the court has unified our team.

“Mia brings a fire and passion that our team needs. She is very coachable and is very responsible with the details of the team both on and off the court. Victoria brings a stability to the team. Her attitude and efforts remain consistent. The most noteworthy quality is being a strong spiritual role model for the rest of the team. She is often seen praying on the bench and is not afraid to speak her faith to others.’’

Coach Kowalew has already noticed the improvements made by the three captains from the first preseason practice to this point of the regular season.

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“Jordan has been able to see the other side more and pinpoint open spots,’’ Kowalew said. “She has become a consistent player that the team relies on. Mia has learned to really hit open spots to make the big plays. Victoria has improved her passing and hitting.’’

It’s not a surprise to learn that each captain are very good students in the classroom.

“All three have received Christian character awards in the past,’’ Kowalew said. “They are also student ambassadors at HCA.’’

All three leaders interact in positive ways with their teammates.

“Jordan is quite the talker, making sure everyone is where they need to be and reading the other side to make good defensive plays,’’ Kowalew said. “Mia brings the fire, making the big plays in crucial moments. Victoria brings the energy we need when the overall team morale may be down.’’

Jones, Morales and Ng are involved with noteworthy activities beyond volleyball at Hawthorne Christian.

“Jordan is in hand bell choir, plays for youth group band, chorale and started a volleyball camp for middle schoolers at our school,’’ Kowalew said. “Mia is in dessert theater, chorale and yearbook. Victoria is in chorale and dessert theater.’’

On September 24, the Defenders earned their third victory of the season, a 2-1 (25-22, 19-25, 25-20 game scores) win over Elmwood Park.

On Monday, September 30, HCA is scheduled to host Paterson Charter.

“Salome Mejia (sophomore) and Aubrie Johannasen (junior) are stepping in strong as the setters,’’ Kowalew said. “Giovanna Cook (sophomore) coming off JV bench and stepping up to help on the outside and dominating in serving and Shannon Kayal (senior) as libero is creating a solid back defense.

“Alyssa Ng (freshman) is stepping up as middle, putting up a solid block against big hitters. Gianna liberali (senior) is creating a lot of offense in the middle. Bella Jones (junior) is filling our open outside spot with a strong hit. Charmaine Manipon (senior) is putting up our best serve receive pass to create offense on our side.’’

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