UC High has many great sports teams across the board. One of them, specifically Girls Volleyball, won Division II CIFs last season in 2024. This team has been placed into Division I this year and is ready to take on the challenge. With new Varsity Coach Charley Yeon, the team is excited to win countless games this season.
UC High’s Girls Volleyball Team is improving tremendously as they adapt to their new coach. Yeon said, “There has been a ton of improvement since the beginning of the season. Defensively, we’re digging a lot more balls, which has really strengthened our overall play. We’ve also focused on using our serve as a weapon, which has led to more aces and has forced opponents out of system, making it easier for us to defend. Offensively, we’re getting a lot more swings out of system, which keeps pressure on the other team and gives us more scoring opportunities.” He has been focused on these certain areas of play during practices for better results in games.
The team is led by Senior Captains Danielle Muttera, Cassiopeia Lewis-Mussa, Gabriella Conway, and Leah Bledsoe. Yeon said, “Having experienced returners and strong captains is a huge help, because they know what it takes to succeed and lead by example, which keeps everyone focused and inspired.” Yeon is clearly satisfied with how his captains are working this season.
Muttera said, “My main goals for this season are trying to be the best captain and leader I can on and off the court, trying to reach a very consistent level of play, and learning more about the technical aspects of the game.” It is very clear that Muttera strives to be the best she can be and wants the best for her team. She is an outside hitter, helping the team out with her powerful attacks and effective defense.
Muttera said, “The most difficult aspect of volleyball is 100 percent the mental game. It’s a game of who can be more mentally tough and limit errors.” The mental game can be one of the biggest struggles when it comes to sports. Fortunately, this is a great team to rely on for support. Junior Kylee Blennerhassett said, “Our team always huddles and gives high fives whether we win or lose the point. We lean on each other when we are getting down.” It is important to have this network in order to thrive as a team.
The team is working toward a strong dynamic to lean on each other in tough matches. Captain Cassiopeia Lewis-Mussa said, “I would say we’re still working on our dynamic as a team, and we’re continuing to get better. I do think we definitely have the potential to become a stronger team.” There is always room to grow when it comes to the team’s dynamic. The stronger the dynamic is, the better the team will play.
Lewis-Mussa is known to be a very strong front-row player. She has insane swings, and her block is like a wall. Lewis-Mussa shared tips on how to improve as a team: “Some keys to improving as a team are a lot of communication, trust, and being able to bounce back from a loss.” It is important to use losses as fuel for upcoming matches.
Team motivation is very important. Yeon said, “I believe one of the most effective ways to motivate the team is by staying motivated myself. When the players – especially the returning seniors who won a CIF Championship last year – see my energy and commitment, they feed off of it. That motivation then spreads to their teammates.” This motivation is what is leading UC High Girls Volleyball to victory.