Kiana Solomon is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day School for AZPreps365.com

“If you’re winning and you know it clap your hands,” chanted Phoenix Country Day School’s student section during the first set of Thursday night’s volleyball game.

The Eagles faced Valley Lutheran at home, a familiar opponent they just faced last weekend at the Desert Classic Tournament. Except this time something was different.

The Eagles were supported by the largest student section they’ve had in a while.

School spirit hasn't been a priority at Phoenix Country Day, but the students are working to change that.

“As a school, were trying to build a culture of more school spirit,” said basketball player Ben Brodsky. “Were trying to build the student section and make it bigger.”

Brodsky is one of many male athletes who came out to support the girls. With boys soccer moved to a winter sport, more student-athletes can come out and cheer on the Eagles.

Senior player Ellie Rink is the president of a club on campus called Showtime Eagles in charge of organizing school spirit. “Tonight, we decided to do a black out and we thought dressing up would attract more people and it definitely worked,” said Rink.

 

Said sophomore Lilly Robinson: "We don’t usually have a theme, but tonight was a bigger game so we put a theme out to get more people to come.”

The Eagles defeated Valley Lutheran 3-0.

“[The student section] helps us a lot,” said Robinson. “We were expecting to play five sets and have a hard battle, but we went out there and fed off their energy.”

Coach Kat Glaeseman also  said the Eagles played off the energy of the student section.

She added: “We talk about staying focused and making sure we take care of our side and blocking out everything and making sure were looking across the net and not at the stands.”

With another home game coming up next week the Eagles are expecting another crowd to cheer them on.

"I’ve been to every game and I will be at every other home game,” said Brodsky.