Forest Heights Volleyball Team Built Trust and Unity

The Great Hearts Forest Heights eighth-grade volleyball team took part in a fun team-building trip to the Cielo Vista Challenge Course in San Antonio, TX. This event was all about helping the team grow stronger together, not just in their volleyball skills, but in their ability to work as a team and lead one another.

The Cielo Vista Challenge Course, which has been running for over 30 years, is known for its challenging physical and mental activities. The players took on tasks that tested their ability to work together, communicate, and problem-solve. Noel Pompa, a guide at the course, shared that the course is set on ten acres of wooded land and has a lot of high elements. “We bring a lot of teams here to work on team building and relationships,” he said.

The day started with ground-level activities that helped the team practice trust and communication. These tasks got them working together and thinking as a group. The coaching staff observed how the lessons learned during these challenges mirrored the skills needed in a volleyball game, where teamwork and communication are key to success. Eighth-grader and right-side hitter Zoe Steigelman said, “I think we’ve been bonding pretty well, we’ve been able to communicate and we’ve gotten to know each other more.”

Later, the team moved on to more difficult challenges, like the high-ropes course. These activities pushed them both physically and mentally. For many, it was their first time navigating such heights, but with the support of their teammates, they were able to face their fears. Laurel Barnes, the team’s setter, said, “It’s been a fun experience, like a bunch of little games that we can play.” These shared moments helped the team grow closer and build trust, which will benefit them on the court.

In addition to the physical tasks, the instructors led discussions where the players reflected on what they had learned. They talked about how the lessons of leadership, accountability, and perseverance they gained could improve their performance during games.

By the end of the day, the Great Hearts Forest Heights volleyball team conquered physical challenges and left with a stronger sense of unity and trust. As Barnes said, “We’ve definitely learned to trust each other more.” These skills and values will help the team as they continue their volleyball season, ready to face any challenges ahead.

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