Santa Teresa High School - Compendium Yearbook (San Jose, CA)

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 The frosh soph spikers had a slow start, but worked hard . . . FOR NEW HEIGHTS Staring them down Freshman Ken Sanchez awaits the serve from her teammaigtfteri is considered to be one of th£ top freshman athletes this year. Ken was' bted meet outstanding player on the volleyball team this year. Photo by Laura Geer. o ur team worked so well together because we were all so closely knit. We all made a lot of new friends this year! Freshman Tram Nguyen reflected on the 1987-88 frosh soph volleyball season with enthusi- asm. The frosh soph spikers ended their season with a league record of 4-5 for an overall ranking of sixth in M.H.A.L. The team was led by captain, and only returning player, Gretchen Brink. Other key players for the Saints were mid- dle hitter Jessica Willoughby, outside hitter Jennifer Calla- han, setter Lynn Ha, and back row specialists Robyn Jacobs and Keri Sanchez. Coach Jim Barnett felt that All of the girls were great athletes with really positive attitudes. The girls’ attitudes were necessary because of the thirteen play- ers, twelve were first time volleyball players. Special awards were given to the members of this year's team. The award of most inspirational player went to fresh- man Tram Nguyen. Robyn Jacobs was voted most im- proved. Keri Sanchez received the title of most outstanding, and sophomore captain and only returning player, Gretch- en Brink was voted as the most valuable player. The Saints had a slow start, losing games to Silver Creek and Independence. .Coach Barnett felt that Our slow start was because of inexperience. With Gretchen (Brink) as our only returning player, we had to spend the beginning of the season working on the basics. Next year, we will have five returning players, so we'll be able to work more on plays. Next year the frosh soph Saint spikers will prove to be a stronger team than this year's team. Tram Nguyen feels that Next year, there will hopefully be five of us players return- ing. That will make it a lot easier for the team. This way we can start really playing volleyball a lot sooner so that we can beat Independence. By Laura Geer. Making the block. Jessica Willoughby ai £ol!een Boyle block Jennifer Ciona in warmups at the Andrew Hill game. Jessica wa? n middle Timer for the Saints, and will prove to be a ley player for the Saints next year. Photo by l tura Geer. N Sports 56 ]

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Winning the league demanded a lot from the team; but in the end it was all . . . A MATTER OF icture if you will; thirteen girls in a cold, silent gym. Their coach appears out of her office and briefly explains what she ex- pects, a league title and a place in the CCS finals. Melodramatic it may be, but Coach Uchiyama knew it would happen this way. She had the talent to go all the way. Play; don't pray. Varsity volleyball coach Barbara Uchiyama stressed the point repeatedly during the season. She wanted to get the team's mental attitudes tuned on one thing, being champions. Dreams became reality when the spikers went on to take the MHAL championship with a league record of 9-0. Team captain, Laura Geer, explained that in order to achieve their full potential as a team they had to be mentally, as well as physically, strong. To accomplish this goal their minds had to be in tune with each other. This worked out. The spikers finished the season in a third round CCS loss to Los Gatos. All of us being athletic really helped, but it was our attitudes that brought us all the way. explained Laura . Lack of mental awareness, according to Coach Uchiyama, was the factor that defeated them, not their opponents. With the caliber of players 1 had, I expected the most out of the girls, Coach Uchiyama explained. Most valuable player Laura Geer led the team with her offensive and defensive techniques. Serving and offensive ability helped Wendy Kohler earn best offensive player honors. Blocks and spikes gave Rhonda Gavert the best defensive player award. All league players included: Chriss Callaghan, Rhonda Gavert, Wendy Kohler, and Sherry Wulfert. Unity and friendship brought the team to CCS and won the league. This was by far the best team I've coached in a long time, Coach Uchiyama replied triumphantly. Perfect set up! Rhonda Gavert attempts to block a shot from an opposing player. All league Chris Callaglian and best offensive play- er Wendy Kohler look on In anticipation. Our intensity and friendship is what won the league for us this year, says Rhonda. Photo by Darin Walker. Demonstrating how its done. After spraining hor ankle during the first match. Laura Geer listens Intently as Sherry Wulfert de- scribes what happened to that last serve, Leigh Siljander looks olrabo. It was really upsetting to miss out on the game but I was back on my feet the next week, replies Laura. Photo by Darin Walker. Volleyball I 55

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 r Practicing for perfection Coach Barnett practices blocking with Jessica Willoughby and Jennite Callahan. This is Bar- nett's second year as the fresh soph coach, after returning from aTW HBRninq leave. Bar- nett feels that This yeareteam was a real plea- sure to coach. Photo by Laura Geer. credentials Score Opponent 2-1 Branham 0-2 Westmont 1-2 Gunderson 1-2 Willow Glen 2-1 Silver Creek 2-0 Oak Grove 0-2 James Lick 1-2 Andrew Hill 0-2 Independence 2-0 Overfelt 2-0 Yerba Buena 1-2 Piedmont Hills 2-0 Mount Pleasant Record: 6 7 Frosh Soph Volleyball team Top row: Jennifer Callahan. Jennifer Ciona. Story Colling Sheila Green. Coach Barnett. Middle row: Gretchen Brink. Lynn flv Colleen Boyle. Tram Nguyen. Bottom row: Holly Brink. Rc byn Jacobs. Keri Sanchez Photo by Wayne Salvatore Photography. 57