After claiming first place in the West Sequoia League, the Eagles varsity volleyball team moves on to the CIF Central Section Division V playoffs with victories under their belts.
Senior Jessika Searles earned MVP for the league, juniors Ashlyn White and Emily Schoettler have been selected as members of the all-star first team and head coach David Tatum was voted coach of the year in the West Sequoia League.
The first volleyball playoff game will be Nov. 10 against Kings Christian at 7 p.m. If FC succeeds, the team will continue to San Luis Obispo and take on Mission Prep to battle for the school’s first CIF Central Section Division V Valley championship.
“I think that everyone on the team doesn’t feel done yet,” Tatum said. “We plan on winning tomorrow night, and Valley as well. We all have the mindset.”
Senior Sam Kaiser anticipates the chance to prove the team’s talent in the playoffs, she said.
“The team is really excited for the playoff game against Kings Christian,” Kaiser said. “We are hoping to have the chance to play against Mission Prep again and hopefully beat them. We are a much better team and we are looking forward to showing Mission just how good we have become.”
Although this season marks the first for Tatum as head volleyball coach, he was selected as Coach of the Year for the league and is proud of his team for their triumphs.
“It has been a wild ride,” Tatum said. “I was not expecting to coach, but it all came together when my wife began to work at FC and they needed a volleyball coach. As coach, I’d like to think I improved the team, but it’s really a team of talented girls who have to get the credit.”
Despite the abrupt start to coaching, the season motivated Tatum to continue the task, he said.
“The season was tons of fun,” Tatum said. “This made me want to coach more ;it stirred up the passion in me.”
Searles was highlighted for special attention as MVP of the league. Through a unanimous vote, coaches agreed that she deserved this recognition.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Searles said. “I really didn’t expect to get anything. I’ve never really been ‘the best.’ It’s very exciting to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about.”
With a record of 25 assists this season, White appreciates support from other members of the volleyball team who helped her achieve placement in the all-star group.
“Being recognized is always a privilege,” White said, “but being a setter and getting this award would be very hard if I didn’t have the great hitters and passers that make up the team.”
Throughout the season, Shoettler has enjoyed the team’s sensation and has achieved 12 kills, she said.
“It’s very exciting and rewarding to have achieved this reward,” Shoettler said. “I owe it all to my team and coach. This has been a great year for FC volleyball and I am honored to have achieved this.”
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