East Valley Slows Force for 18’s Open Title

Six matches.

That was the mantra in the East Valley huddle from Coach Kurstan Olaso, 6 matches. “Before the first match I told them they needed 6 matches to close out our season.” He said. “They were pretty focused for the majority of the day.”

Focused might be an understatement. East Valley completed its season by knocking off the Force 18-1’s squad for the 18 Open Regional Title on June 14th at South Mountain Community College.

Disappointed as they were, Force coach Terri Spann found the silver lining. “If you watched my team at the start of the season and then at the end, you would quickly notice the difference of play.” Spann says. “Both (assistant Coach) Margie (Giordano) and I challenged our players daily to be the best they can be. We pushed them harder than they thought they were capable of. By the end of the season, we were able to leave everything out on the court and feel good about ourselves.”

Olaso started the day missing three starters but got some clutch performances from some different people, a springboard to East Valley’s golden success. “Sam Hodgkins did a great job switching to the middle and Anna Gott filled our Opposite position until we got to the Gold Division.” Olaso says. “I think at the end of the day when we got to the Gold Division, they realized that they worked very hard to be where they were, mentally and physically. We had let downs in every tournament this year and closing out a tournament was something they needed to work for.”

Olaso’s squad had to overcome some inner demons over the course of the season. “This team was filled with a lot of potential in all of our positions.” He lauds. “We had the ball control and the setting; both skill and depth in the position, to be a great team. In the beginning of our season the challenge was getting the team to play as a single unit, regardless of position. We had individual players that could shine in their own positions, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t coming together for the team.”

Improving as the season progressed, the bumps in the road and the obstacles gave way to the team being the priority. “I think a lot of my girls needed to be pushed and they needed to be told that there was always something to improve on no matter who they were.” Olaso recalls. “We are very proud of this team especially when we look at where we were at from our first tournament of the year, Fiesta Classic, to our last tournament of the year.”

Coach Spann also felt her girls needed to be pushed, and she makes no excuses for her coaching philosophy? “My players would say perfection.” Spann says unapologetically. “That is not true. It's heart. Simplify the game to make it easier on you, but work the hardest at it so you can be the best. If you think the drill was easy, you are not being challenged and working hard enough. If it was hard, you are not willing to step up to the challenge. I do not have one particular philosophy except to work hard and be able to leave it all out on the court. Believe it or not, every challenge I give my players in the gym is to help them in life later on. I always want my kids to have a good experience under me. Not all of them do, but the ones that get me, do “

Force graduates 10 of it’s dozen and will be in a rebuilding mode in the seasons to come. East Valley graduates only 3 of its girls and looks to be the team to reckon with in the coming season. “Winning the regional championship this year was definitely exciting not just for the team this year, but also for the team next year as we had so many underclassmen on our roster. They have learned a lot this year not just about skills, but also about how to play as a team and how to take responsibility for their goals and what they want to achieve.” Olaso says proudly.

But he might want to look over his shoulder. “Since we had a successful season, I am hoping to start over with a new group of kids that are looking for a new spot or should I say change.” Spann says. “If they want to play under me and can handle my intense style of coaching, we will have success all over again; only 1st place next time… I don't like 2nd!”

Mesa 17’s Tips Player’s 17’s for 18 Club Title

The line that separated Mesa’s 17-1’s from the Player’s 17-1’s team all season was so fine. A mere 5 miles across the US Route 60 north and south, but the line on the court was even smaller.

But in the end, Mesa’s 17’s pulled out a dramatic finale, topping the Player’s 17’s in the 18 Club final at Willow Canyon High School on June 7th.

“We played Players 17’s competitively throughout the season.” Mesa Coach Amy Stawn said. “They won the first two matches that we faced each other and then we won the next three with the final win happening to be for the Region Championship.”

Player’s Coach Taryn Smith echoed Strawn. “We had been in the top of the region all season so we knew we just needed to come out and play like we knew we could and have been all along.”

“Our defense and serving were outstanding on the Saturday of Regionals, just at the right time,” Strawn said. “We knew that we would be short-handed for championships and the girls that were there dug deep to cover for their missing teammates.”

Both Coaches applauded their squads for being focused and inspired. Smith says of her team, “This group of girls is special because first of all they love volleyball. They want to practice more and play more, more and more. Second they get along on and off the court. We never had any ‘drama’ that can ruin a team. If someone was having an off game the rest of the team was there to pick that person up. Lastly, they are FUN! We truly enjoyed every opportunity we got to play.”

Strawn speaking about her Mesa team again echoed her rival. “This was a special team to coach because they support each other so well. They play together really well and never give up on each other.”

Coach Smith, who team is made up of Mesquite High School girls says her philosophy as a coach includes fun! “I believe in working hard and enjoying volleyball. I think building a love for the game is important and I think building girl’s confidence is also important. I want them to know that being competitive matters but I want them to have fun, enjoy playing and of course win.”

Smith recalls the team’s pregame rituals. “They love to ‘disco, disco’ or do any kind of dancing before games. They also made up raps and performed them during the season. Basically they're big nerds!!” she said smiling.

It’s a good bet that these two coaches haven’t seen the last of each other as their lines intertwine. But Strawn looks forward to the challenge with Smith in the future. “It was fun to develop that rivalry and work to stay on top. I was so proud of the effort and competitiveness this team showed at Regionals. They were a joy to coach.”

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