Despite challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresno City College’s women’s volleyball reached a team GPA of 3.5 for the fall 2020 semester.

The team has not lost any players due to remote learning because they have all been able to successfully adjust, according to Kieran Roblee, head coach of FCC’s Volleyball team. 

In regards to achieving a high team GPA, Roblee shared how the team is approaching academics this school year.

“Our motto is ‘Let’s Go Win The Classroom!’” she said.

During some semesters athletes are more impacted with labs and the number of units being carried so study tips and tricks must be based on individual planning for the team.  

Everyone’s win in the classroom is different, Roblee explained which is why she works with each player to figure out what works best for them. 

For example, study skills vary per person. Some need planners, others use post-its, phone notes or white boards.  

Study environments may also vary and work differently for each player.  

If methods do not work for players, that is when the team steps in to help and offer some advice.

An official grade check is every three weeks but in between Roblee does one-on-one check-ins with each player.

Kylie Kerney, FCC freshman outside hitter from Buchanan High School reached a 4.0 GPA and made it on the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester, according to the volleyball team’s Instagram. 

What specific advice does she offer other students? 

Organization is key which is why she highly suggests writing in a planner. 

“It helps keep your due dates in line and checking off an assignment after you’ve completed it makes you feel a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going,” Kerney said.

Some advice Roblee offers, which she hammers home with the team, is to take advantage of any extra credit. 

She also said, “Another part of our classroom mindset is, ‘if I can get a B then why is it not possible to get an A. Go get it!’” 

Although the volleyball team has thrived in academics, it has faced a different challenge of not knowing when they will be able to compete again. 

In December, it was announced that sports that fall within the  “Spring 1” category will not be competing in the upcoming season. 

The category includes football, wrestling, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s water polo, women’s golf, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s cross country.

The deadline to decide whether or not “Spring 2” sports, which includes beach volleyball, will compete is late February 2021.

In an interview with The Rampage, Julia Pagani, a sophomore setter from Buchanan High School expressed how the pandemic and it’s restrictions has affected her. 

 “It is hard not being able to see my teammates everyday and be able to train together for a season that we might not be able to have,” she said.

 If approved, the “Spring 2” season will be held from March 27 through June 23, according to FCC’s announcement regarding this year’s athletics.