Girls varsity volleyball team becomes city champions
A full-length feature on the team's triumphant season
This is a special feature that reports on the girls varsity volleyball team's championship final, collects various pieces of coverage of the team's season all in one place, and spotlights players who helped lead the team to victory.
The Final Match
On November 23, the girls varsity volleyball team won the PSAL City Championships at Brooklyn College, defeating Hunter College High School in straight sets to secure the city title with a 2-0 victory.
THHS took control early, winning the first set with a score of 25-13 before closing out the match with a 25-10 victory in the second, where the Hawks recorded approximately eight consecutive aces.
The championship moment came with THHS leading in the final set. Sophomore Chloe Lee stepped back to serve and sealed the match with a clutch ace, scoring the final point and immediately igniting celebrations across the court.
Sophomore Maggie Gildea and freshman Maraya Angelova attempting to block the ball during the City Championship game. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Members of the girls varsity volleyball team and coach Christian Castillo spectating the game and cheering on teammates. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Junior captain Keira Legaspi serving the ball during the City Championship. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Senior captain Emma Wu setting the ball to a teammate during the championship match. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Senior captains Nicole Saenz and Emma Wu lying down with the championship banner and plaque. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The girls varsity volleyball team huddled during the City Championship match. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The finalist medals and championship plaques on display. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Sophomore Ashley Shentu tipping the ball over the net during the City Championship game. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
A major key to their success was repeatedly putting their opponents on the defensive. “We kept getting a lot of points off our service,” said senior captain Nicole Saenz. “In the second set, we had about eight aces in a row. Once that happened, I knew the game was ours.”
On the attack, sophomore Maggie Gildea proved to be a constant threat. Scoring kills in both sets, her combination of using both strength and strategy helped shut down Hunter’s defenses.
“The adrenaline really showed with how much power she put into her swings,” Nicole said. “She was also incredibly smart, as she would tip the ball and place it perfectly, and that helped us get a lot of points.”
In moments of tension, players relied on communication and composure to steady themselves.
“Any time we made a mistake, we huddled up and reminded each other it was okay, and that we’d get the next point,” Nicole said. “We stayed calm and fixed what went wrong, instead of stressing.”
Junior captain Keira Legaspi said that the pressure was high, but they “[focused] on trusting each other and playing with energy from the first point to the last.”
The Hawks entered championship week believing they could finish the job. “Personally, I knew we had the championship in our hands, after the first set of semifinals, which was 25-13,” sophomore Faye Simons said. “I was completely confident, and I knew no team could break our momentum.”
Freshman Maraya Angelova also pointed to a surge late in the finals match: “The moment we went on a big run in the final quarter made me feel like we had it.”
However, the team’s playoff journey wasn’t without difficulty. Players highlighted a pivotal moment earlier in the semifinals against Metropolitan Campus when THHS opened the first set trailing 0-9.
“Our team struggled with starting at 100%,” Faye said. “At that moment, we really needed to turn up the intensity. The starters held each other accountable, and we were able to gain enough momentum to turn the game around.”
Senior captain Emma Wu said, “I signaled to Coach Castillo for a time out. I remember in the huddle telling the girls, ‘Take a deep breath, relax. Pass the ball we’ve worked so hard for this moment.’”
For the seniors on the team, the championship win was years in the making. Nicole described the moment as surreal. “It honestly feels amazing. I ended my senior year with a bang, and it’s something I’ll never forget,” she said. “We worked from the beginning to make it this far, and winning was so relieving.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Emma said, “Winning the city championship felt amazing. We did what we were supposed to do. […] Every year leading up to my senior season we got knocked out, and every time it happened, our team came back the next year stronger, more determined, and more confident.”
With a record of 9-1 and a championship title, coach Christian Castillo said that the team performed better this year and was able to win the championship due to their consistency and growth in chemistry. Manager Jacob Castillo said that their tournament victories show how much “hard work they’ve put in to improve and play together as a team.”
Maraya said that the championship felt like the natural conclusion to months of effort. “It feels amazing to win because all our hard work finally paid off,” she said.
When asked to describe the team in three words, sophomore Ashley Shentu said, “I say we are very motivated, competitive, and energetic.”
Playoff Recap
Round 0
BYE
No opponent
Round 1
Beach Channel Educational Campus
November 7, 2025 | 2-0
Semifinal
Metropolitan Campus
November 19, 2025 | 2-0
Senior Captain Emma Wu
The Classic
What did winning the city championship mean to you personally?
Emma Wu
Winning the city championship felt amazing. We did what we were supposed to do. Ever since my freshmen year being a 4-year starting setter on Townsend Harris’ varsity team, the goal I wanted to achieve was to win a championship, no matter how long it took.
Every year leading up to my senior season we got knocked out, and every time it happened, our team came back the next year stronger, more determined, and more confident. This team couldn’t have done it without everyone making key contributions, trusting each other, and playing at the highest level they could play.
The Classic
What sacrifices did the team make this season that people on the outside might not see?
Emma Wu
A lot of sacrifices that people had to realize is even if they thought they were really good already, there is a lot of room for growth, and the only way to get there was through hard work, dedication, and intense training.
We sacrificed a lot of our individual time, practicing 5x a week, scrimmaging many teams, going to multiple tournaments, and doing a lot of team bonding to not only get better as a team, but to create a supportive bond out of us girls, on and off the court.
The Classic
What’s one lesson you’ve learned as captain that you’ll carry beyond volleyball?
Emma Wu
One lesson I've learned as captain that I'll carry beyond volleyball is taking initiative and leading by example. It just starts with one person to set the tone for everyone else.
"Before I knew it, even after a 0-9 start, I saw our team fighting with grit and determination, already seeing the score inch closer and closer by the minute."
The Classic
What thoughts did you have during the semifinal game against Metropolitan Campus?
Emma Wu
Going into this semifinal round, I knew everybody was nervous but excited to play. It was a very surreal feeling, being knocked out by this team last year in this same exact position was nerve breaking, but I knew this team was ready for a great game and challenge.
Already down 0-9 in the first set, I signaled to Coach Castillo for a time out. I remember in the huddle telling the girls to “take a deep breath, relax. Pass the ball we’ve worked so hard for this moment. I need one pass, and we will side out. Relax and let’s fight… Hawks on 3!”
Before I knew it, even after a 0-9 start, I saw our team fighting with grit and determination, already seeing the score inch closer and closer by the minute.
Then in a blink of an eye, it was 23-23, after our OH1 (1st Outside Hitter) Maggie scored a huge kill. That's when I knew we had this game.
The Classic
Was there a specific moment that stood out from this round?
Emma Wu
The moment that ball touched the ground on Metro’s side, was one of the greatest feelings this whole season. After winning the first set, we had the momentum to beat them the second set easily.
During this round and the championship round, I was so grateful for all of the support that we had, parents, family, classmates, and teachers, all supporting us. It gave our team confidence and happiness knowing that we had a great support system that we could lean back on–win or lose.
My favorite moment from this game was in the locker room celebrating, knowing that this is what all of us were fighting for this season, to finally beat Metro. We got to celebrate by pouring water all over Coach Castillo's head and getting a donut party the next day at school.
The Classic
What message do you want to send to future players or the school community after this win?
Emma Wu
A message that I would like to send to this team is thank you for such a great community I’ve been able to play in for these past four years. I’ve been blessed to play with such passionate and skilled players, and also amazing people and coaches.
"I thank Coach Castillo for all the hard work he’s put into this program, and I thank the school community for coming out and supporting us through all of our playoff and league games. Thank you Hawks volleyball for giving me one of the best communities ever."
Michelle Wu
"It was definitely a thrill to watch this team become one of the dominant teams during the season, and it's just amazing to watch these girls and the camaraderie that they have. It's just been a really joyous experience overall for us."
(Mother of Emma Wu)
Andrew Wu
"It's been a build-up over four years with team composition that has been as talented across all four seasons, and it's really been an honor and privilege to be part of such a strong program. It was very touching to see the players realize just how good they really are."
(Father of Emma Wu)
Michelle Wu
"I think it's just a fairy tale ending for us from her journey as a freshman to a senior and then finally through her leadership. It's a memory that I won't forget for a very long time... Whatever she decides to do, we'll be her number one fan. "
(Mother of Emma Wu)
Nicole tracking the ball on the court during the City Championship match against Hunter College High School on November 23. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Nicole bumping the ball during the City Championship game against Hunter College High School on November 23. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Nicole serving the ball on November 23 during the City Championship against Hunter College High School. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The Classic
How did you first get into volleyball?
Nicole Saenz
I first went to volleyball when I was in eighth grade. My friends and I first played during our gym class, and after that, I started playing during recess. That's how I got into it, and I just kept on playing over the summer.
The Classic
What did winning the City Championship mean to you personally?
Nicole Saenz
It was a very good feeling for me, especially since it was my last year. During our semi-finals game, we went against our biggest competitor that we haven't beaten our past two, three seasons. Even though we didn't beat them by a lot, it meant a lot because it shows that no matter what, we can't put our heads down, and we just have to stay positive the entire time.
The Classic
What's one lesson you've learned as captain that you'll carry beyond volleyball?
Nicole Saenz
Not to let any setbacks bring you down and to just keep on trying no matter what. If something feels hard you still need to keep your head up because the people on the team would look up to me. If they see I'm getting upset that we're losing, it brings the mood down.
The Classic
What challenges did you face this season and how did you overcome them?
Nicole Saenz
I think the biggest challenge I faced this season was spraining my ankle. During our pre-season and the first game, I had a brace on because I needed the support, and I felt like I wasn't able to play how I usually played. I felt like that really brought me down, especially knowing that I could do better than what I was doing
The Classic
Did the team face any challenges?
Nicole Saenz
I feel like the only challenge we faced was losing our one game against Metropolitan High School since that was our biggest competitor. And the fact that we knew we would have to face them again in playoffs was a really big thing for us because we were like “we need to beat them, we haven't beat them before.”
"Watching the team win the city championship as a parent was extremely overwhelming in the best way. All the hard work, laughs, tears, long practices, and tough games throughout the season felt worth it."
The Classic
What were your immediate thoughts or reactions after you beat Metro?
Nicole Saenz
We all ran to each other in the middle of the court. Me and my fellow captain, Emma Wu, started crying because it was a relief. We felt that every time we got into our heads, we would serve out or serve into the net, and we knew that we're better than how we were playing. So, the fact that we did it felt good that we were able to overcome that.
The Classic
What is your favorite memory from this season?
Nicole Saenz
My favorite memory is probably our tournaments, especially the breast cancer tournament that was hosted at Metropolitan. We all had our pink shirts on, and we were in the auditorium. We braided each other's hair and put makeup on that was pink to show our breast cancer awareness.
The Classic
What message do you want to send to future players or the school community after this win?
Nicole Saenz
Not to let any setbacks really bring you down. And those setbacks honestly just make you stronger as a player, and it'll make you want to try to be better.
The Classic
What are your future aspirations for volleyball?
Nicole Saenz
For me in college, I would only see myself playing in a club, not really a division. I personally feel like my height is a very big thing. The girls are very tall, and I'm kind of considered short for a volleyball player. I don't think I'd be able to make it, but I'll try out because I don't lose anything in trying.
"I know this was something all the girls dreamt of especially with it being her final season. Closing it out with a BAM was amazing."
"It was extremely meaningful knowing this was her last year. With her stepping up as captain, I’ve had the opportunity to see her grow in ways that go far beyond the game not only for herself but as a supportive teammate."
"Best advice I can give is to be present and supportive. No one is perfect, but having someone on the sidelines means more than anything. Be there to support emotionally, physically, through the wins and losses, and the toughest days and nights."
The Classic
How did you first get into volleyball?
Keira Legaspi
I first got into volleyball my freshman year. I never really played before that, but I went to the tryouts to try out a new sport, and I fell in love with it there.
The Classic
What did winning the City Championship mean to you personally?
Keira Legaspi
It was a very big deal, not because the championship itself was very hard, but because the season itself really proved the capabilities of our team. We pushed ourselves further than we have in the past years and accomplished things that weren't previously attainable. Winning the championship really tied the whole season together.
The Classic
Was there like a particular moment during the championship that stood out to you?
Keira Legaspi
I think the most memorable was definitely when sophomore Chloe aced and got the last point of the match.
The Classic
What's one lesson you've learned as captain that you'll carry beyond volleyball?
Keira Legaspi
One lesson or takeaway is about collaboration and bonds off of the court. One of the reasons we're so successful is because we were all so connecting and dedicated.
The Classic
What's the biggest setback you've faced this season and how did you overcome it?
Keira Legaspi
I think one of the biggest setbacks has been funding. We've been pretty tight with money, and so we're doing a lot of fundraisers such as bake sales and popcorn sales and to try and not only repay anything that happened this season, but to ensure we get the same level of experience next year.
The Classic
Were there any challenges that you individually faced?
Keira Legaspi
One of them is that I was playing a different position this year (outside hitter) than I have previously (defense specialist), and so I had to learn new rotations, and I had to learn the most effective way of playing that position.
The Classic
What is your favorite memory from this season overall?
Keira Legaspi
There are a lot, but I think my favorite memory is beating John Jay at the Goldstein tournament because that's a team that's really heavily stacked with players that are going to play at the collegiate level and that we've never been able to beat before. Finally beating them and showing that we can compete with those high-level teams was a really big milestone for me and the team.
The Classic
What are your future goals for volleyball?
Keira Legaspi
I'm not too sure what the future holds for volleyball, given that college sports are so competitive, but I definitely want to continue pursuing the sport, whether it's at a club level or anything further than that.
Keira after serving the ball during the City Championship game against Hunter College High School on November 23. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
"As [the team] scored every point, we really held our breath. We were screaming our lungs out. I think my wife and I both lost our voice."
Keira in a team huddle during the quarterfinal match against Lab Museum United on November 14. Photo by Joshua Liu
Photo by Joshua Liu
"To be honest, I think the hardest thing is to step back. We'd like to get so involved, but we also want them to grow by themselves and with the coach."
Keira posing with the PSAL Girls Volleyball 2A championship banner and plaque after the team earned a 2-0 victory over Hunter College High School in the final match on November 23. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
"I remember somebody once telling me when I was a younger person, saying, 'You forget the wins and losses, but you remember the feeling.' I think that's the best thing for them to remember."
Sophomore Ashley Shentu
The Classic
What was the difference between winning against Metropolitan Campus during the semifinals and then finally winning the championships?
Ashley Shentu
I feel like the final was definitely very anticlimactic compared to the Metro game. Looking at the two now, the Metro game was kind of like the finals and then the Hunter game was like the semifinals. Metro game, it was just so much more because we were down so much, we thought that we were going to lose. But then we ended up winning, plus they were our biggest rivals.
We worked so much harder that game, and it was more exciting compared to Hunter. I mean going into it, we're obviously kind of nervous, but then as we played, we knew that we were going to win, so it definitely wasn't as exciting compared to beating Metro, but it's still very rewarding.
The Classic
How has being part of the team impacted you as a player or as a person?
Ashley Shentu
I've never played any sports team before volleyball or any sport for that matter. I don't think I'd be as dedicated as a person if it weren't for volleyball because it's taught me how to work hard and pursue the things that I'm super interested in.
The Classic
How would you describe the volleyball team in three words?
Ashley Shentu
I say we're very motivated, we're very competitive, and hard-working.
The Classic
What do you want people to know about this student-athlete experience?
Ashley Shentu
I think that people should know that it's stressful because you're going to practice every single day and on top of that, you have to study for tests and then go to tournaments and go to games. It's very strenuous, but it's also extremely rewarding at the same time.
Sophomore Maggie Gildea
The Classic
What does winning the City Championship mean to you personally?
Maggie Gildea
During the city championship, I was super grateful to have the opportunity to compete there. And I was also super proud of the team for getting to that point. I think that winning the City Championship was a reflection of how much work and effort the whole team put in to get there, and I'm super proud that we got the opportunity to show that.
The Classic
How has being part of this team impacted you as a player or person?
Maggie Gildea
I think being part of the team has impacted me as a player in person because I've gotten to spend so much time with everyone and grow alongside them and really developed such a social bond and made so many nice memories. I think as a team, everyone's so supportive and works together, so it's a beautiful experience to be part of it.
"It has been a pure pleasure to watch this team grow over the past two years. They have truly become champions both on and off the court."
The Classic
Is there a specific moment this season that you will never forget?
Maggie Gildea
A specific moment I'll never forget would probably be during the semi-finals. We were down by a lot of points, and we ended up coming back. I think that really just showed me how you should never give up, and how working together, you can accomplish so much.
The Classic
What are your aspirations for volleyball?
Maggie Gildea
My aspirations for volleyball are just to continue playing it in whatever capacity I can. It means a lot to me. I made so many bonds through it. I would love to see where it takes me in the future, maybe coaching younger players.
The Classic
What do you enjoy most about playing volleyball?
Maggie Gildea
I think that what I enjoy most about playing volleyball is the team environment. From being part of a team, you get to learn so many interpersonal leadership skills, but it's also just like such an indescribable experience to be able to bond with other people on your team.
"The best advice we could offer is to be there as often as you can for your child, no matter what the activity that they happen to be involved in. Four years of high school go very fast, and having these shared memories will prove to be priceless."
The Classic
How did you first get into volleyball?
Chloe Lee
I started volleyball when I was in middle school, and I kind of just played for fun, but before volleyball got really popular, I was always interested in it. So, I think in seventh grade, I tried out for my first club team, and it was just a low, for fun club team, but then over the years, I started really liking it. So now in high school, I hope to keep playing and be a captain.
The Classic
What was going through your mind when you hit the winning point?
Chloe Lee
We were up a lot, so there wasn't a lot of pressure. I served over, and when I got an ace, I was like, "Wow, we actually won.” It really hit me there and when everyone joined the group huddle on the court. It was a really nice experience.
The Classic
What does winning the City Championship mean to you personally?
Chloe Lee
Personally, I think it shows how far I've come, because in middle school, I was really bad at volleyball, and I never thought that I'd be on varsity today. I think younger me would be really proud. And I'm really glad that I got to experience this even before I become an upperclassman.
The Classic
How has being part of this team impacted you as a player or a person?
Chloe Lee
I think volleyball is a lot of mentality, so I always just tell myself to forget the last mistake and make up for it instead, and I think that applies to a lot of life lessons too.
The Classic
What challenges did you face this season and how did you overcome them?
Chloe Lee
This is my first year starting. Last year I rode the bench all season, and then this year, I started becoming a starter. It was scary because there was so much pressure, especially because the last senior libero graduated, so now all the pressure was on me. During the start of the season, I was a bit rusty, it took a lot of warming up to. But then in the middle, I became really comfortable, and coach saw my potential. I guess the biggest challenge was confidence and believing in myself.
The Classic
What are your future aspirations for volleyball?
Chloe Lee
A lot of people ask me if I want to play in college, but I just don't think that's for me. I don't feel like waking up really early in the morning to do weight training, and I really want to go to college based on my academics. I just hope that my senior season, the last time I step on the court, maybe we can win another city championship.
“There will be times where you have to sacrifice some club games and some school games. But overall, [being a student-athlete is] a great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.”
Freshman Maraya Angelova
The Classic
How did you first get into volleyball?
Maraya Angelova
I started volleyball in sixth grade. I also played basketball, but I just didn't like basketball, so I chose to play volleyball. I only played in school, and then in seventh grade, I started playing for a team. And then in eighth grade, I did club, so I really liked it. When I got into Townsend, I obviously wanted to try out and see if I would get into varsity, and then I did.
Sophomore Amelia Legaspi, freshman Aja Fatou Fall, freshman Maraya Angelova, junior Mikayla Jimenez, and junior Hitarthi Bhatt posing for a picture during a game against HS for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture on October 9. Photo by Tabassum Ahmed
Photo by Tabassum Ahmed
The Classic
What do you enjoy most about playing volleyball?
Maraya Angelova
Honestly, just playing with my teammates and getting closer with them. I like winning too, but I feel like just playing with my teammates is better.
Maraya attempting to receive the ball during the semi-final match against Metropolitan Campus on November 19. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The Classic
What thoughts did you have during the championship game?
Maraya Angelova
I was so happy that we got to championships and that we were able to experience it. And then I was hoping we would win, and when we finally did, I was so happy and proud of us.
Maraya blocking the ball during the City Championship game against Hunter College High School on November 23. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The Classic
How has being part of the team impacted you as a player or a person?
Maraya Angelova
Everyone on the team is such a great person, and they encourage you to not give up. I feel like it also made me encourage my teammates, and it made me a better teammate and a better person overall.
"She was so scared in the beginning, but now she's so open, now she's happy. Game after game, she was good and confident."
The Classic
Is there a specific moment this season that you will never forget?
Maraya Angelova
When we won championships. We did great all season, and then we got to championships, and everyone got in the middle, and started jumping up and down, and we were just so happy. I felt like all the hard work we did through the season finally paid off, and it was amazing.
"I think the girls feel better when the parents surround them and support them. And I think they will get the championship again because they're a good team."
The Classic
What are your future aspirations for volleyball?
Maraya Angelova
I think I'm going to continue playing volleyball in college. I want to go D1 in college. I really like it, so I think I'm going to continue.
"We are so proud of her… We are with her all the time. And for her, this is so important."
Maraya on the court during a non-league game against Bayside High School on October 8. Photo by Tabassum Ahmed
Photo by Tabassum Ahmed
Sophomore Maggie Gildea and Maraya attempting to block the ball during the City Championship match. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Maraya tipping the ball over the net during the City Championship game. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Maraya preparing to serve the ball during the non-league game against Hillcrest High School on September 25. Photo by Owen Garcon
Photo by Owen Garcon
Maraya blocking the ball during the quarterfinal game against Lab Museum United on November 14. Photo by Derrick Lin
Photo by Derrick Lin
The girls varsity volleyball team huddling before the City Championship game. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Spectators taking pictures of the girls varsity volleyball team after its championship win. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
Coach Christian Castillo giving a speech in a team huddle during the quarterfinal match against Lab Museum United. Photo by Joshua Liu
Photo by Joshua Liu
Spectators reacting to the quarterfinal game against Lab Museum United. Photo by Joshua Liu
Photo by Joshua Liu
The girls varsity volleyball team poses for a team picture after its 2-0 quarterfinal win against Lab Museum United. Photo by Joshua Liu
Photo by Joshua Liu
Seniors Nicole Saenz, Emma Wu, and Seira Tashiro posing with poster boards during Senior Night on October 30. Photo by Owen Garcon
Photo by Owen Garcon
Coach Christian Castillo during a team huddle in the semi-final match against Metropolitan Campus. Photo by Ryan Chen
Photo by Ryan Chen
The Classic
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