The Bishop Gorman girls varsity volleyball team traded the desert heat for the shores of Honolulu earlier this month, traveling to Hawaii to compete in the prestigious Ann Kang Invitational Tournament. 

Facing off against top high school programs from across the country, the Lady Gaels not only tested their skills on the court but also experienced a rare opportunity to bond as a team while representing their school on a national stage. 

Over the course of eight games, the Lady Gaels battled hard but unfortunately finished with a 4-4 record, leaving Hawaii with lessons learned and valuable experience as they head into their regular season. For standout Trinity Thompson ‘26 the trip meant more than just the scores on the court, “I feel like we got to know each other a lot better, especially because we used that tournament as preseason practice before we played any in-season games,” she said. 

Even though the team admitted they did not perform at their absolute best, their focus never wavered. Boyana Pesic ‘28 explained that balance was key, “we stayed focused by reminding each other of our goals for the tournament, but we also balanced that with enjoying free time in the correct moments.” That ability to rest and refocus helped the Lady Gaels stay grounded throughout the week. 

Part of that balance included enjoying the unique experiences Hawaii had to offer. The Lady Gaels rewarded themselves after matches by heading to the beach, grabbing shaved ice, and exploring the grounds of Waikiki. Those moments of fun helped the team relax, laugh together, and build stronger friendships. The bond they created off the court, players agreed, translated directly to how they supported one another on the court.