Three Lancers named to All-CIF, Martinez is Coach of the Year
The Avalon High girls volleyball team recently finished a magical season that saw them reach the CIF-SS Division 9 finals, before falling to the top-seeded Cornerstone Christian team.
But the Lancers made a statement and their peers took notice. The CIF-SS released the All-CIF selections and three Lancers were named to the All-CIF team. Junior Yuliana Vega, along with sophomores Virginia Soto and Daniella Moreno were voted to the All-CIF team. Avalon coach Carlos Martinez was also named the divisions Coach of the Year.
The four honorees shared some of their thoughts on the team, the season and what they were able to accomplish with the Islander.
Carlos Martinez
Years Coaching: 3
What was the most important factor for this team’s success?
The most important factor to this year team success was definitely a positive atmosphere at practice, at team dinners and at bondings. I think part of the success of this team was everyone understood what their role was whether it was to make a play happen, go in to serve, or to cheer on your team from the bench, every single player embraced their role.
After every single point whether we won it or not these girls would walk over and high five each other and picked each other up. At times we celebrated even bigger when a young member got their first big contribution whether it was an ace, a kill, a big save.
For this team it wasn’t about who got the credit; all we cared about was getting better every game and doing it together.
At what point this season did you see the team start to really click and become a CIF Title contender?
Well, I knew after we won the Liberty Christian Tournament that we would make a deep run this year. We went 10-0 in the tournament and beat team three teams in higher Divisions than us. I knew we were pretty good at that point and knew we would be one of the top teams in our division. Our team believed that we were good enough to achieve the success we had this year and I think that played a big part of why we went as far as we did.
What are you most proud of regarding this year’s team?
I’m so proud of many things but I’m proud of how mentally tough we have become. Volleyball is more than just a game it’s about learning important life lessons. I’m proud these girls left their heart out on the court they gave it everything they have.
I’m proud of how these girls have built a new culture in volleyball and have become great role models for future volleyball players. These girls have created a sisterhood with their teammates. I always tell them, I know that friendships, like teammates, are in a league of their own. I’m so proud of these Lancer girls. They have shown me that nothing is stronger than the bond between girls who are working to achieve the same goals. I will never forget how special this season was.
Daniella Moreno
Class of: 2022
Favorite School Subject: Math
Hobbies: Drawing and Reading
What will you remember most about the season the team had this year?
The bonds that we created this year.
What do you think was the biggest factor in the team’s success?
We were all close and that we would help make each other better instead of criticizing our mistakes.
What do you think next year’s team will gain most from this experience?
That we need to stay close and not let anything split us apart. Because if we’re mad at someone on the team that could ruin our friendship.
Virginia Soto
Class of: 2022
Favorite School Subject: math
Hobbies: watch Netflix, and spend time with family
What will you remember most about the season the team had this year?
All the work we put in to make it to the CIF final, and to state.
What do you think was the biggest factor in the team’s success?
The strong bond that the team built throughout the season.
What do you think next year’s team will gain most from this experience?
We know what we are capable of and we should use our accomplishments as our motivation to become even better.
Yuliana Vega
Class of: 2021
Favorite subject: art
Hobbies: drawing and singing
What will you remember most about the season the team had this year?
I would always remember the connections and memories I had with the team
What do you think was the biggest factor in the team’s success?
A big factor would probably have to be how we were all close to each other and acted like family.
What do you think next year’s team will gain most from this experience?
I think next year’s team would gain the confidence to know that even though we might have a small school and a small team, we are definitely able to push to our goals and succeed.
