Boy's Volleyball Spikes its Competition
The team continues their successful season as they come to their final regular season games.
By Katie Scripoch
The team continues their successful season as they come to their final regular season games.
By Katie Scripoch
With only one returning senior, the boys’ varsity volleyball team has been able to continue to grow and players are excited for what is to come in future seasons.
The team competes in the Blossom Valley Athletic League, including tough matches against Piedmont Hills, Westmont and Del Mar High Schools. Regardless of these competitors, the team has proved that they are continuing to work hard with an overall record of 13-6.
Second year varsity player Mario Valdez, 10, has enjoyed being on the team and has also recognized that throughout the season they have been working hard to build trust with one another.
“It’s very brotherly. Everyone is super friendly with each other, super close. When one of us messes up, we pick each other up,” said Valdez.
Jonah Maloto, 11, has also found that the team’s positive atmosphere has been beneficial in becoming a better player.
“As we’ve been playing more and more throughout the season, we have all really developed individually in terms of skills but most importantly we have grown closer as a team as we continue to win,” said Maloto.
Freshman Cameron Yick has also found a love for the team aspect that volleyball provides.
“The thing I enjoy most about volleyball is that it cannot be played by one player. You need at least one other person to be able to play so you can’t win on your own,” said Yick.
Head coach Ching Shih started coaching the program after previous head coach Tony Lien left to pursue another coaching job in Indiana.
“We didn't have that many club players last year but I think a lot of players were inspired to play club after this past season,” said Shih. “I think we lucked out because we have so many players that have club experience, that could explain why we are working so well this season. A lot of people came in ready to go so that has something to do with it.”
One of the hardest things that the team has had to overcome from the beginning of their season is trusting one another and learning how to break that barrier to be successful.
“I think our biggest challenge was probably learning to work together with new people and new players joining the team, but we all got over that quickly as we grew to know one another,” said Yick.
With the experience that players have from competing with their club teams, the team has been doing well regardless of some minor challenges that they have faced along the way.
“This team has been very receptive to what we have been trying to accomplish by doing things we ask them to do,” said assistant coach Henry Chin.
Maloto is confident in his team that the experience they have will be able to help them continue to compete with the help of his coaches.
“Coach Ching and Coach Henry have been very helpful throughout the season and we’ve learned a lot more about the game and we’ve been able to elevate our game from their advice,” said Maloto.
As their season continues Yick hopes that the team will continue to thrive.
“I hope this success will bring us the momentum and drive to continue doing well. We all know we have a chance to win league this year and this early start will bring us the excitement we need,” said Yick.
The team competes in the Blossom Valley Athletic League, including tough matches against Piedmont Hills, Westmont and Del Mar High Schools. Regardless of these competitors, the team has proved that they are continuing to work hard with an overall record of 13-6.
Second year varsity player Mario Valdez, 10, has enjoyed being on the team and has also recognized that throughout the season they have been working hard to build trust with one another.
“It’s very brotherly. Everyone is super friendly with each other, super close. When one of us messes up, we pick each other up,” said Valdez.
Jonah Maloto, 11, has also found that the team’s positive atmosphere has been beneficial in becoming a better player.
“As we’ve been playing more and more throughout the season, we have all really developed individually in terms of skills but most importantly we have grown closer as a team as we continue to win,” said Maloto.
Freshman Cameron Yick has also found a love for the team aspect that volleyball provides.
“The thing I enjoy most about volleyball is that it cannot be played by one player. You need at least one other person to be able to play so you can’t win on your own,” said Yick.
Head coach Ching Shih started coaching the program after previous head coach Tony Lien left to pursue another coaching job in Indiana.
“We didn't have that many club players last year but I think a lot of players were inspired to play club after this past season,” said Shih. “I think we lucked out because we have so many players that have club experience, that could explain why we are working so well this season. A lot of people came in ready to go so that has something to do with it.”
One of the hardest things that the team has had to overcome from the beginning of their season is trusting one another and learning how to break that barrier to be successful.
“I think our biggest challenge was probably learning to work together with new people and new players joining the team, but we all got over that quickly as we grew to know one another,” said Yick.
With the experience that players have from competing with their club teams, the team has been doing well regardless of some minor challenges that they have faced along the way.
“This team has been very receptive to what we have been trying to accomplish by doing things we ask them to do,” said assistant coach Henry Chin.
Maloto is confident in his team that the experience they have will be able to help them continue to compete with the help of his coaches.
“Coach Ching and Coach Henry have been very helpful throughout the season and we’ve learned a lot more about the game and we’ve been able to elevate our game from their advice,” said Maloto.
As their season continues Yick hopes that the team will continue to thrive.
“I hope this success will bring us the momentum and drive to continue doing well. We all know we have a chance to win league this year and this early start will bring us the excitement we need,” said Yick.