Cholla Charger Network

By Zevida Jose

Cholla’s Girls Volleyball season is kicking off with their first match against Tanque Verde on Wednesday, August 28th at Tanque Verde High School.

The Frosh team was the first to play, with 9 girls on the team, followed by the JV team with 10 girls, and finally, the Varsity team with 12 girls. Frosh team lost against Tanque Verde with a score of 0 to 2.

JV team lost against Tanque Verde with a score of 0 to 2.

Varsity team also lost against Tanque Verde with a score of 0 to 3.

That’s the wrap of our first game good luck to all the girls for upcoming games you all did amazing keep up the good work! As we start the season, let’s look forward to getting to know more about our players and coaches.  

I interviewed four people from our girls’ volleyball team. First, I interviewed Paloma Diaz-Hernandez, the head coach. Second, is senior Camila Figueroa, she is a varsity player as an outside hitter. Third, is senior Dora Dodd, who is also on varsity playing as a libero. Last, I interviewed senior Macayla Hines, who is on varsity playing as an outside.  

Why did you choose volleyball?

Coach Paloma – “I chose Volleyball at the age of 13 I played it for the first time at the beach then fall in love. I hated volleyball before I played it.“

Camila – “I chose Volleyball because it gives you the opportunity to create new bonds with new people, and the sport in general is just entertaining.”

Dora – “I’ve always loved volleyball it’s a family sport that’s always been played.”

Macayla – “I chose volleyball because I fell in love with the sport since I started playing it in PE and all my friends played and insisted, I join.“

How long have you been playing Volleyball?

Coach Paloma – “I’ve been playing volleyball for 7 years!“

Camila – “I have been playing volleyball for 6 years now!“

Dora – “I’ve been playing since I was 9 years old“

Macayla – “This is my second year of volleyball.“

What is your job during the game?

Coach Paloma – “My job is to push my players to be better than yesterday. To give them words and advice and to encourage them.”

Camila – “My job during the game is to provide my team with a kill and blocks as well.“

Dora – “My job is playing defense in the back row to help setter set our hitters.“

Macayla – “My job is to attack, block and play defense at all times“

What gets you excited during the game?

Coach Paloma – “EVERYTHING! The serves, the digs, the hits, but especially when the girls are able to work together to come back!“

Camila – “What gets me excited during a game is when I see all my teammates faces filled with excitement when we get a kill or a block“

Dora – “When I get a good dig and being encouraging to the girls to do better and when we play as a team.“

Macayla – “When I see my team having great sportsmanship and whoever is not on court cheering for us and being hype, that’s what gets me most excited during a game.”

What is your favorite thing to do during the season?

Coach Paloma – “To teach the players how to dive like a penguin.”

Camila – “My favorite thing is when we get to do varsity bonding.”

Dora – “I’d say it’s serving and getting along with the girls and watching us all grow together and improving together.”

Macayla – “My favorite thing to do during the season is our volleyball etiquette.”  

Which school are you most excited to compete against? 

Coach Paloma – “I am excited to compete against Rio Rico and Pueblo!“

Camila – “I am excited to compete against Pueblo!“

Dora – “Pueblo since it’s our rival school and because we’ve beat them before in the past, and I want to do that again this year.“

Macayla – “I’m most exited to compete against our rivals, Pueblo.”

Do you think good sportsmanship is important? 

Coach Paloma – “YES! I believe we should win with pride but also lose with pride. Therefore, we need to have class and respect our opponents even if they don’t respect us.“

Camila – “Sportsmanship is super important in Volleyball.”

Dora – “Yes, sportsmanship is important because if you don’t have good sportsmanship and your rude and negative it doesn’t look good on court.”

Macayla – “Of course, I think sportsmanship is important. I never want someone on the team to feel like they’re being singled out and I want everyone to enjoy what they’re doing.”

What do you plan on doing after the season?

Coach Paloma – “After the season I plan on joining a sand league, then help coach the boys’ volleyball in Spring.”

Camila – “After the season I plan on continuing to work on Volleyball to make my decision on where I want to commit to.”

Dora – “I plan on focusing more on psychology and applying to colleges and doing other things that I want set after graduation.”

Macayla – “After the season is over, I heard there was going to be a club team but other than that I plan of finishing up the school year with all A’s and going to college.”

Can you share what you wish you knew before starting Volleyball? Also, any advice for beginners or those already involved in Volleyball?

Coach Paloma – “Volleyball can be mentally challenging sometimes but just know that you will grow and succeed in time. Handwork always pays off! Some advice is to not give up! Keep working on certain skills you struggle on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The last thing is once you play volleyball you will get addicted to it! Try it out and see what happens.”

Camila – “I wish I knew how hard it was to adapt to people you don’t know, and how people can take you for granted and not see what your capable of, and for the new incomers do your best! Don’t be afraid to ask questions”.

Dora – “I’d say always be open to learning new techniques and just always bring your best even if it’s your first time, but I wish I knew how to improve more and more when I wasn’t able to play to be better for when I will play. That would really help you and improve”

Macayla – “Before joining volleyball, I wish I knew that I shouldn’t get into my head during a game and that I should always have fun. Some advice I have for beginners or those already involved in volleyball is to always communicate with your team, don’t fear mistakes, move your feet, and have fun!”

Thank you to the coach and players for taking the time to answer these questions and giving us insight into their lives and the game. Take all the advice to heart and make good use of it in the future. Seniors, best of luck in your future endeavors. Have fun, live life to the fullest, and embrace new experiences. Coaches, thank you for providing our volleyball team with opportunities to learn and for your unwavering support. Enjoy creating new memories and cherishing the old ones!