In his 23 years as head coach, George Sullivan never had a team make as great a turnaround as this year's Andover girls volleyball team.
From 7-11 in 2008, the Warriors finished 20-3 this year with its only losses coming to Division 1 state finalist Central Catholic. In the sectional championship game, Andover briefly had the Raiders on the ropes before losing 3-1.
Several precocious youngsters assisted in the improvement but the biggest reason for the turnaround, says Sullivan, was Kirsten Arvidson, the only senior starter and the team leader in kills and blocks.
"It's because of her skills and leadership that we had the season we had," said Sullivan. "It will be very, very hard to replace Kirsten."
Arvidson is the middle of three talented volleyball-playing sisters, all of whom are also outstanding tennis players. Heather, a 2007 Andover graduate, led Colby College in kills this year. Sarah, a sophomore, joined Kirsten on the All-MVC team.
With her high school season over, Kirsten found time to go Around the Horn.
How tough was it for you to have a losing record as a junior one year after the team advanced to the Division 1 state finals?
"It was hard for all of us, especially the seniors, but it wasn't as bad for me because I knew we'd have a better year coming up."
Did you expect Andover would enjoy such a strong season?
"We had high hopes, but we didn't expect this big a turnaround."
What was the biggest reason for the turnaround?
"We had a very young team last year and a lot of freshmen got really nervous — they were really freaked. I think they got better at handling pressure and staying composed."
Didn't you know a lot of the Central Catholic players from your AAU team?
"I knew Maggie Hillman, Carolyn Eddy and especially Lindsay Phenix — it was weird playing against them."
When did you first start playing volleyball?
"I started playing in the seventh grade. We were a basketball family until Heather started playing volleyball. Then we all decided to play volleyball."
At 6-foot-1, has there been any pressure on you to play basketball at Andover?
"My freshman and sophomore year, I had people pulling me in that direction, but they've given up."
As a coach, George Sullivan is ...
"Humorous."
What are your college plans?
"I'm looking at Division 2 schools and I've applied to Stonehill, St. Michael's and St. Anselm."
Who's the best volleyball player in the family?
"That's a tough one — I'd like to say we're all equal."
All right, who is the best tennis player in the family?
"That's Sarah for sure. She spends the most time at it."
Time to play favorites:
Favorite class in school? "Probably math, but I like nonacademic classes like gym."
Favorite TV show? "'The Office.'"
Favorite Web site? "YouTube or Facebook."
Favorite Food? "Chocolate milk and pizza."
Favorite sports team? "Red Sox."
Favorite athlete? "I like a lot of the beach volleyball players like Misty May."
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