For the first time in over a decade, the Palomar College women’s volleyball team made the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) tournament in back-to-back seasons – an achievement that has been celebrated by both the coach and the players.
While the Comets may not have taken home the championship, it’s clear the team’s resilience, chemistry and growth are what got them to the postseason.
Head Coach Karl Seiler has led the women’s volleyball team since 1995. He coaches indoor volleyball in the fall and beach volleyball in the spring. This season, he observed the team face challenges without backing down, and the freshmen and sophomores create a balance that made the team stronger.
“They were a little squirrely at the beginning because there were a lot of new faces. But I think they were really stable at the end. And we didn’t give in very much. When we were down, we fought back really hard,” Coach Seiler said.
The Comets went 19-8 this season, and ranked 11th in the 3C2A southern region. One game that particularly stood out to the team was their underdog victory over sixth-ranked Moorpark College in the first round of the playoffs.
“I think beating Moorpark was one of my favorite games we won because they’re ranked five spots higher than us, and we came out and we won.” Caden Pinto said. “That was a big game leading us to our second round of playoffs.”
Pinto is a freshman on the team, serving as the setter, with one of her teammates referring to her as the team’s “quarterback.” She started playing volleyball at the age of 14, which she acknowledged is older than many of her teammates were when they first began.
Upon joining Palomar College, she experienced a significant shift in coaching style compared to what she experienced in high school. Pinto noted how Coach Seiler changed her technique and her perspective on the game.
“She came down from LA to play here, and she was a big surprise. I kind of had an idea that she was going to be good, but she really rose to the challenge,” Coach Seiler said.
She also formed new friendships within the team.
“Getting to come here and keep playing, getting the team experience, these are all some of my best friends. It’s not just a team,” Pinto said.
Another freshman on the team who made an impact this season is Dovie Daniels, the team’s opposite hitter. When another teammate was injured in the first half of the season, Daniels assumed a full-time role at the position.
“I really had to step up and fill in her shoes. I personally think that I got a lot better at my blocking this season. I am really proud about that part,” Daniels said.
Daniels hopes to become a better hitter next season, play more, and make it to the state finals.
“I really think we can do it, especially with some of the new recruits coming in. We could have done it this year, but I definitely think with the right mindset, we can do it next year,” Daniels said.
This season, the new freshmen had sophomores like defense specialist and team captain Kiana Merrill that they could rely on for support.
“I’m proud of how far we have gone. A couple of girls had injuries, and we still, no matter what, especially at our last games, we pushed through,” Merrill said.
Merrill shared that she learned a lot and improved on her leadership skills this year. She will be graduating this year and looks forward to what’s next in her journey.
“God willing, whatever God’s plan is for me, I trust in it,” Merrill said.
Looking forward, this squad’s freshmen received invaluable guidance from their sophomore teammates and gained experience from top-tier competition in the postseason – setting the stage for next fall.