As new seasons and team formations rise, Head Coach Kelsey Lopez has undertaken the role of being a core guidance for the 2025-2026 girls’ volleyball varsity team. The team had their first games through the month of August where they have gradually fallen into routine and strengthened their teamwork. Furthermore, they have enhanced their overall performance in practices by dedicating time and by working hard both physically and mentally. Jessica Perez, a senior whose positions are defensive specialist and libero, is one of those players. “I just recently moved to Selma and I was so nervous about joining the team,” said Perez. “But as I told our amazing coach, the girls made everything better with their radiating energy and support. I truly adore them all.”
Fast forwarding to September 2, the girls began with a victorious game against Fresno High School with the final results being 3-1.
Mia Garcia, a junior who is entering her seventh year of playing volleyball, has high expectations.“My goals for my team this year are to win.”Mia said. “This team is such an uplifting spirit. Every day, these girls make me love my sport even more. The difference I feel in this team is openness.”
Only a couple days after their win, the team would make their way to their Hive Classic matches. These are annual tournaments hosted by Sanger West High School that consist of a series of brackets that teams can transcend in until possibly attaining the gold status.
On September 5, the SHS team would lose against Arvin High School, Shafter High School, and Mendota High School by a score of 0-2 for each.
“Our team works really hard. My inspiration for this year is my teammates,” Mia stated.
For the final match, the team did not succumb to their losses and pulled a win against Mendota High School with a 2-0.
The following day on the 6th, they were disqualified when continuing the Hive Classic, as they were defeated by Coalinga High, Sanger West, and Liberty High 0-2.
This would proceed to serve as an object of influence to carry on their leadership, strive, and absorb even the tiniest lessons for the long run.
On September 18, the team would emerge triumphant once again when competing with Orange Cove High School as the final numbers displayed 3-0. Their careful coordination and focus despite the previous trial and error outweighed it to serve proof for their commitment to the team.
Jessica Perez leaves behind advice for future and present players.“If you don’t clap for others, it will never be your turn,” she says.
