On behalf The New Dealer, congratulations to the FDR BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL team, the 2013 Team of the Year. This year, the Boys’ Volleyball team went 11-1 and was able to win the Division Championship. For the third straight year, the Cougars have made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, this time they lost in the first round to the High School of Environmental Studies. Even though they did not bring home the City Championship, the Cougars achieved major accomplishments. They won the Hill Crest Tournament this spring, and they were also finalist in the Seward Park Tournament and the Legacy Spielman Tournament. The team was also ranked #9 in New York City for the PSAL playoffs. Coach Hand has done an outstanding job as our Head Coach. He has turned FDR into one of the top programs in New York City.
I was honored to conduct the following interview with Coach Hand.
1. How does it feel to be the Team of the Year in FDR Sports?
It is nice to be acknowledged in a school where there are many good teams. It is a wonderful addition to an already outstanding season. My team and I feel honored by this achievement, and I would like to thank The New Dealer staff for making us the Team of the Year.
2. What were the year’s greatest challenges?
This year was filled with major obstacles that we as a team had to overcome. For example, we had to deal with injuries to some key players. I know we had a great team, because even though those players were hurt, most of them still played and gave it their all. Another obstacle we had to overcome was team grades. Some players weren’t eligible and others were on the border line of failing. I tell my team that grades are the most important thing, because without good grades- there is no team. Last but not least, we play in a strong division and each and every game was a tough one. With all these obstacles, we were still able to go 11-1 and win the Division Championship.
3. Why was this year’s team able to win a Division Title?
This year’s team was able to win a Division Title, because they put in hard work while “no one” was watching. This year’s team did everything I asked them and more. It was never one person taking over, the team as a whole took leadership and did things that I didn’t even ask them to do.
4. Who are the players that led this team to such a successful season?
These guys did everything right and played great for us this year. I don’t know where this team would be if it wasn’t for these four guys- #11 Captain JIA JUN “Eric” HUANG, #10 Captain JIEHAO “Jay” WU, #99 JIN QUAN LI, and #8 CALVIN ZHENG.
5. How is the team looking for next year?
Next year will be a complete rebuild. Most of my starters are graduating and there are a lot of new people on the team. However, there are two sophomores who are coming up through the ranks. They are Ammed Kouakou and Chaowen “Mini Ming” Zhang.
Congratulation’s to Coach Hand and the Boys’ Volleyball Team. The FDR Family is very proud of you!