CSD’s girls varsity volleyball team builds off-court connections and friendships during a team bonding event at Frankie’s
Elena Cunningham, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Creative Content Manager
September 29, 2025
What is the difference between being teammates and being friends? Different answers may include shared qualities like a sense of humor or just whether or not a friendship “clicks.” The Community School of Davidson (CSD) girls varsity volleyball team believes that one answer is time spent together outside the gym. Instead of holding practice on Labor Day, the team made a trip to Frankie’s Fun Park in Charlotte. With many different activities (plus a fair amount of video games and skill games), it was the perfect spot for the team to grow closer as the competitive season got underway.
From left: Lizzie Shields (‘27), Scout Staskel (‘27), Kelly Rogers (‘27), Gracyn McRorie (‘26), Kennedy Donley (‘26), Lila English (‘26), Elena Cunningham (‘27), Rory Boyle (‘27) and Lucia Soares (‘27) begin the day with a group shot. After driving to find the original destination, TopGolf in Charlotte, full with long waits for hitting bays, the team recouped and quickly decided to head to Frankie’s. When they arrived, they split off into two groups: one went off to drive go-carts, and another headed to mini-golf. (Photo by Coach Betsy Miller.)
From left: Rory Boyle (‘27), Jordan Famularo (‘26), Lila English (‘26), Brielle Kinsey (‘26), Eloise Rasor (‘28) and Elena Cunningham (‘27) had fun playing mini-golf. After playing only about half the holes, the group made the decision to abandon their putters to share some food with the rest of the team and Coach Betsy Miller. (Photo by Coach Betsy Miller.)
From left: Kennedy Donley (‘26), Gracyn McRorie (‘26), Kelly Rogers (‘27) and Lizzie Shields (‘27) prepare for takeoff on the go-cart track. Rodgers and Shields took their driving seriously and decided to make it a 20-mph race to the checkered flag. Meanwhile, seniors Donley and McRorie had more fun trying to wreck as many people as they could on the track. (Photo by Coach Betsy Miller)
From left: Rory Boyle (‘27), Elena Cunningham (‘27), Kennedy Donley (‘26), Lila English (‘26) and Gracyn McRorie (‘26). Gathered for one more group photo before calling it a day. The Association for Applied Sports Psychology says team-building activities and shared experiences can help foster mutual trust and cooperation. After a day outside the gym, CSD’s girls varsity volleyball team proved that to be true. The team is made of people from many different social circles at school, all who bring their individual strengths together for a common goal. “We got to hang out and continue to get to know each other not only as athletes but as people,” Rory Boyle said. (Photo by Coach Betsy Miller.)
Elena Cunningham, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Creative Content Manager
Elena Cunningham is a junior in her second year of Journalism. She is excited to build on her first year and do even more across many areas of the Spartan Sentinel. In her first year, Elena’s passion for creative writing helped inspire the Creativity Corner, a new dropdown on the website which features student and teacher contributions including art, poetry, haiku and short stories.
She loves reading and wants to have a job in publishing one day. Elena’s most recent favorite book is “In the Wild Light.” When she is not holding a book, Elena enjoys playing varsity volleyball and lacrosse.
Elena came to CSD in her freshman year from Pioneer Springs and maintains friendships with lots of people from both schools. Her favorite things to do with friends include walking around Birkdale, playing beach volleyball and conquering escape rooms.
Favorite Quote: “You are your best thing.” – Toni Morrison, “Beloved”
Walkup song: Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney
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