The Next Title

Varsity Starter, President, VP, Delegate, Ambassador, Editor-in-Chief, a lifelong Viking and soon-to-be Quaker. When speaking of the titles held by senior Village volleyball team captain Amabel Ajakaye, it's often easier to list the accolades she's missing; this very sentence only further illustrating that point.

As Amabel collects her next title, Graduate, she reflects on her time as a Viking. A time that she sees as a "comprehensive exposure to leadership and teamwork". 

"My involvement in diverse activities at Village has been instrumental in equipping me with skills essential for success," Amabel says. "Leadership roles in various clubs [see titles above] have honed my abilities to lead and motivate teammates, make quick and effective decisions during high-pressure situations, and foster collaboration for collective success."

Enrolled at Village since age three, Amabel is part of a select group of students known as "lifers", completing her entire primary education as a Village Viking. Though she's since held positions in a swath of organizations from the Black Student Union to the Key Club to the Model UN and the Yearbook, Amabel's longest tenure is as an athlete in the Village volleyball program.

"I began as a Village Little Spiker at the age of eight under Coach Judi Klausmeyer, our current Village School Athletic Director" Amabel recalls. 

This fall, after more than seven years of Village volleyball, Amabel's time in the program culminated with her being selected as captain of the varsity squad on which she was the lone senior. A title that, like her many others, Amabel took seriously.

"I became a role model for the junior players. My focus was on setting a good example both on and off the court, aiming to inspire and guide my teammates. Being the sole senior, I recognized the opportunity to nurture volleyball athletes and future leaders at Village School, preparing them for the years ahead." 

It wasn't only her teammates that took notice of her leadership, however.

"Amabel's impact on the team this season has been profound," Coach Victoria Usry said. "She leads by example and effectively motivates her teammates to strive for their best both on and off the court…her skill and dedication have elevated the team's performance. Her strategic thinking and ability to maintain composure during intense moments have been invaluable." 

Important qualities that, at times, weren't the easiest to conjure throughout the 2023 campaign. 

"The season's journey was a testament to our collective effort and dedication" Amabel remembers. "While we didn't win all of our matches, the experiences we shared marked a significant period of personal growth for each of us, propelling us forward to greater heights."

On the court, Amabel was known by opposing teams to be a fiercely competitive athlete with a nose for the ball and a mean serve. At Village, though, Amabel will be remembered for how she carried herself as a student leader. 

"Off the court", coach Usry says, "she fosters a positive team culture, creating a supportive environment for her teammates. Amabel has shown remarkable dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Witnessing her navigate challenges and emerge stronger has been inspiring."

Amabel remarks that, for her, the time as team captain was "about fostering a fun, positive, and strong culture within the volleyball team, ensuring that the legacy of leadership and excellence continues even after I graduate from Village School."

As Amabel heads to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, she is grateful for her time as a member and leader of the Village volleyball team. "It has shaped me not only as a volleyball player but also as a person," she says.

"The essence of my journey in volleyball lies in the teamwork, the grit and discipline it demands, and the confidence and character it builds. These experiences have prepared me to face future challenges with resilience and adaptability…I am forever grateful to the Village School for providing me with the opportunity and a positive environment to fully challenge myself in sports, academics, creative arts, and extracurricular activities."

With her final season of volleyball behind her, Amabel's impact on the program and the school it represents is widely seen. As her time at Village nears its end, we eagerly anticipate the news of what great titles she'll achieve next.