girls volleyball dominates in new waters
After a season marked by improvements and accomplishments, the Santa Monica High School girls’ varsity volleyball team has prepared for the upcoming year in the newly aligned Ocean League. Last year, during the 2023-24 season, the team had an overall record of 11-12, going 4-6 in league play, and earned recognition as the 2024 CIF Southern Section FORD Team Academic Champions, an award highlighting their academic achievements. They received their Academic Banner at an awards ceremony held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Team coach, Liane Sato strives to have model student-athletes on and off the field.
“We want our scholar-athletes to take care of the little and big things involved with becoming a successful scholar-athlete. This includes work in the classroom, the gym and in the Samohi community,” Sato said.
Competing in the Bay League last year, which is known for its strong competition, helped the team qualify for the CIFSS playoffs. This experience has prepared them for the challenges they will face in the Ocean League.
This season, the team's focus is on leadership and accountability. The coaching staff is encouraging players to pay attention to the details required for success as scholar-athletes, both on and off the court. The individual well-being of each member of the team is a key part of the success of the season. Sato, alongside captains Jane Robinson (’25) and Jasmine Martinez (’26), collectively set three goals for the season: improve, compete and enjoy the game. The varsity players are preparing to take on their new league with these objectives in mind.
“As captain, I am trying to focus on what our girls need individually in order to play our best as a team!” Robinson said.
In their first game of the season, on Aug. 30, the Samo girls’ varsity volleyball team earned their first victory, winning 3 out of 5 sets against Brentwood High School. The team has continued to thrive, boasting a record of 7-2-1. Middle blocker, Kaeli Horwitz (’27), is highly confident in the team and believes its only up from here.
“We work really well as a team together and I think that will create a season of success and positivity. For our first game of the season, we played extremely well and I see nothing but improvements from this point on,” Horwitz said.
