Varsity volleyball went 8-5 this season, a feat that has not occurred since 2006. On the team’s senior night, the girls beat Homestead 3-2, putting them in a position to qualify for the 2022 CIF Central Coast Selection(CCS). The Lady Trojans charged to CCS and ended their record breaking season falling to Wilcox in the quarterfinals 1-3 and third of the seven teams in the El Camino League according to MaxPreps.com.
The secret to the outstanding season was the combination of clear goals and team bonding, varsity volleyball coach Marissa Canez said. “They were collectively like a team, like sisters, like a family,” coach Canez said. “I think that had a lot to do with their success.”
Since it is her second year coaching varsity, Canez trusted her decisions more because experience taking a club team to nationals over the summer taught her to emphasize the team’s drive and communication this volleyball season, she said. From as early as tryouts, Canez prioritized looking for players whose attitudes would mesh well together, because, beyond skill level, work ethic is what determines a team, she added.
“Compared to my other seasons here, I feel like we had more fun off the court and that translated on the court,” team captain Jade Crum said. After taking on the role of team captain for the first time, Crum’s responsibility was easier than she imagined because the team always kept the season lighthearted, and that contributed greatly to their performance, Crum said.
During tournaments, team parents would organize potlucks and stand on the court before the game for high fives, a new tradition that Canez said was one of her season highlights. Even after the season, Canez’s room remains the team’s unofficial meeting place, a testament to the lasting connection, she added.
The team dynamic notably strengthened with the addition of two powerhouse freshmen, Sara Svihovec and Julia Grigorescu, Canez said. The two served as a strength and learning point for the team, she added.
“The effect they have on the team is incredible,” Canez said. “They brought out everyone’s sense of fun and their inner kid, even mine,” she said. Getting the girls up to speed on the program was daunting, but it only took one team talk to bring the athletes up to speed, Canez said.
Grigorescu led the team with 127 kills and 142 digs, and Svihovec followed with 97 kills and led the team with 26 aces, according to MaxPreps.com.
“I didn’t expect to make so many new friends,” Grigorescu said. “I’ve bonded with my club teammates, but this team was different,” she added.
This season, Svihovec learned to stay focused and concentrate because her teammates ingrained it in her, she said. Both Grigorescu and Svihovec are awaiting the next season and have goals to beat Wilcox, the current league champions, as well as keep up the same team energy, Svihovec said.
The most important and frequent pieces of advice Canez gives her team is to “be humble, work hard, and be kind,” Canez said. Understanding goes a long way in team sports, and having strong bonds off the court translates to a more communicative season, Canez said.
“A lot of history was made this season,” Canez said. For next year, Canez is looking forward to progressing past third in the league and moving past the second round of CCS, she said.
“Those are some lofty goals, but I know this team can do it!” Canez said.