The Upper School boasts talented players and experienced coaches, a combination that will ensure an exciting fall season. Here is a sneak peak:

 

 

 

 

The team brings back 5 starters from last year at all positions, which gives the team experience that can't be ignored. Two seniors, Tori Smith and Margaux Arntson, both over 6 feet tall, are playing as the middle / right side attackers. Mixing the seniors with 3 juniors (Lexi LeClech, Kaley Turner, and Maria Vipond), this team has strong players in each position. LeClech will set the pace in the outside hitter position and fill in as a middle blocker as needed. K. Turner returns with 2 years of experience setting at the varsity level. Vipond will fill the libero role this season, along with being a utility player. Many of these core returners play multiple positions, which adds to the depth and provides many options to both the offensive and defensive game plans - which will keep other teams on their toes.

 

This year we are also very fortunate to have 5 freshmen, all of whom come to the season with prior club volleyball experience. They have been playing year round, which gives us a quick start to our season's training. Annika Cederstrand and Emily Betts will add to the Gator attack. Between them they can fill in for any of the front row positions. Britney Casillas is another utility player whose main role this season will help out at the setter's position. Lauren Leeden is a defensive specialist, and may fill in as outside hitter. Abby Turner brings experience at multiple positions and this year will help the Gator offense as an outside hitter and primary passer.

 

We have taken great care to set up strong competition outside of our league with a jamboree of mainly 4A schools, a Yakima tournament comprised of the strongest 2A/3A/4A schools, and for first time the Spokane Crossover, which is a showcase of the best teams across the state mainly at 4A level. Our goal is to return to the league and district championships, going into State with the highest seed possible. This team has all the elements to succeed: experience, prior State appearances, depth on the bench and drive to win. I predict they will show us great things this season!

 

Rodney Kalalau, Head Volleyball Coach

 

Only losing one senior from last year’s squad, the team comprises experienced and talented players. With so many returners, the season looks promising, despite being in one of the toughest leagues in the state, which includes defending State Champions University Prep.

 

Back for a final season are Heidi Bock, Paris Cal, and Luna LaBelle, who are key players offensively. All three are scorers, along with junior Nora Wheelehan and sophomore Tana Givens, who will also see some time at the midfield position. Fellow returners Virginia Walkey, Emma Bock, Sam Gables, and Allie Kuritani will be the mainstays on defense. Also returning for her final year as goalie is Christina Olivieri. The Gators will miss senior Zoe Keskey, midfielder, who is out for the season with another knee injury.

 

New incoming players Savannah Morehouse and Tess Williams, both juniors, along with a batch of freshmen including Lexy Sullivan, Meghan Hansen, Cate Farrell, Julie Jackson, Sydney Otto, and Audrey Linehan are all good players and are challenging for playing time.

 

The team will need to bring their leadership, experience, and enthusiasm on the field to be successful. The Gators will have their first league match next Tuesday, September 17, versus defending State Champions University Prep at Jason Lee Middle School at 4:00 pm.

 

Cheryl Zaragoza, Head Soccer Coach