The West Ranch girls volleyball team finished their 2024 season with an impressive overall record of 15 wins and four losses. After placing second in the Foothill League, they qualified for CIF playoffs and won their first round against Roosevelt High School. Unfortunately, the Wildcats were eliminated in the second round of playoffs after a loss to Murrieta Valley High School. Nonetheless, the season was full of memories and athletic growth.
This season gave these girls a greater meaning to volleyball; it established strong leadership and respect. All the hard work the team has put in has been showcased through their accomplishments. Coach Ker expressed how the players’ love and devotion to the sport contributed to their achievements: “Oftentimes after long days of practice or multiple matches players tend to get burnt out, but the fact that these girls were very passionate and enjoying the growth process allowed them to be successful.”
Junior Daniele Clewis shared the enthusiasm and support she received from her teammates: “We all had really great energy towards supporting each other and I never felt like there was a dull moment in practice or during a game.”
Additionally, this experience has helped the players develop as individuals. Freshman Devyn Kobe reflected on how her first season has developed her understanding of the sport and taught her how to play in a competitive environment: “We played many high-level games so it definitely helped me get used to that experience.”
Clewis had a similar experience. “I’ve gotten better under pressure and I was able to learn how to keep a positive attitude during these stressful moments,” she emphasized. Her favorite memory of the season was the team’s first CIF win against the Roosevelt Mustangs. During this playoff game, the team’s energy and enthusiasm were high-level. This created a supportive environment that allowed each individual to thrive.
Kobe also shared her favorite memory from the season: “For a teammate’s birthday we all went to the beach and the pier.” Kobe expressed how this helped strengthen the team’s relationship: “We all had so much fun and it was a great bonding moment.”
In addition to outside activities, the Wildcats’ strong bond with each other was often showcased on the court. Coach Ker described the positive impact this relationship had on the girls’ performance, “We all had really good chemistry, this made practices and training a lot more fun.” The practices and training had a positive impact on this team’s performance.
Clewis also mentioned the team’s strong relationship as a key factor in this year’s success, “We had a really great bond on and off the field.” The chemistry between the girls helped develop the dynamics they needed for fast paced games: “This allowed us to trust each other to handle the ball whenever it was needed.”
Although this season was a success, Coach Ker mentioned that the team can continue to improve on the “mental toughness” that is needed for the sport. Kobe also shared that the team can improve on their “consistency.” This includes working on finishing a match and not letting up once they are ahead.
Wildcat Volleyball has had an amazing season full of growth and new friendships. Athletes and coaches have both learned the value of team chemistry and the impact this can have on a team’s performance. Many are excited and looking forward to what this team can accomplish next season.
