When we think of New York sports dynasties over the past 50 years, a few teams stand out — the early ’80s Islanders and the late ’90s Yankees.
Now, it may be time to add one from the Diocese of Brooklyn — the Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, girls’ volleyball program. This fall was a historic campaign for the Clippers’ varsity and junior varsity teams.
Both squads finished the CHSAA Tier 1 regular season undefeated, captured the diocesan crown, and won their respective city championships. It’s an accomplishment that each completed last year.
However, this fall included an unheard-of feat that can be described in one word — perfection. Neither team dropped a single set in any match during the regular season, diocesan playoffs, or city championship.
The 2024 season began with a summer reading assignment for the student-athletes — “The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate.” The book’s themes are built upon the selfless character of George Boiardi, a college lacrosse player who died after taking a hit to the chest from a ball during a game.
Xaverian’s teams have shown that they can achieve tremendous success on the volleyball court, so this book served as a way to add to the already established culture of the program and stay connected through any adversity — which this season was not much.
On the JV level, the Clippers beat Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, in the diocesan semifinals before taking down Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, for the Brooklyn-Queens title. The team then defeated Maria Regina H.S., Hartsdale, N.Y., for the city championship crown.
Formed in 2016, Xaverian’s JV team has now captured six straight city championships within a seven-year stretch — with the only other year lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The success of the JV really is what has helped us build the varsity program,” said Marie McGoldrick, head girls’ JV and varsity volleyball coach at Xaverian. “Winning is a learned behavior, and you build that camaraderie and culture first on JV.”
“Our varsity and JV teams are so connected,” said Chloe Ostrander, a freshman six rotation outside hitter. “Even though a lot of us are moving up next year, our chemistry is still together. We won’t have a hard time playing as one next year. We’ll have a head start with it.”
For the varsity team, an undefeated regular season was followed by a diocesan semifinal victory over Fontbonne and a championship win against St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows — which earned them a berth in the CHSAA state tournament. Right before that, the Clippers also beat Maria Regina for the city crown.
On Nov. 9 at St. Anthony’s H.S., South Huntington, L.I., the girls’ Catholic high school volleyball world was captivated as Xaverian was set to play perennial state powerhouse St. Mary’s H.S., Lancaster, N.Y., in the semifinal match.
In a hard-fought, nearly two-hour match, the Clippers gave a valiant effort but ultimately fell to the mighty St. Mary’s, 3-1. Xaverian made it to the state final match in the past two seasons, only to lose both times to St. Mary’s, which is the only team to defeat Xaverian over the past three years.
“I was proud of the way the girls showed up,” McGoldrick said. “It was two gladiator programs going at each other. It was a very high-level game and a very evenly played match.”
“We knew that it was going to be a very hard match, but we rose to the occasion and pushed each other our hardest,” said Jessie Coursey, a junior setter and future team captain for next season. “We left it all on the court as it was our last game playing together with the seniors. I wouldn’t rather do it with a better group of girls.”
In an impressive accomplishment, Xaverian’s four senior captains — Julia Turchiano, Cassie McDade, Sophia Manfredi, and Alexandra Carbonaro — never lost a match in the regular season, diocesan playoffs, and city championship during their high school tenures. Though their presence will be missed, the Clippers are already set up for future success.
“Because of the way the program is built, the pieces are in place to be successful again,” McGoldrick said. “Will we be ultimately successful? I hope so.”
Training for next season has already begun. The Clippers will continue to rise to the occasion, push each other to be their best, and have much fun doing it. A CHSAA volleyball state championship is in their sights. Let’s see how that ball bounces in 2025.
