As the 2025-2026 girls’ varsity volleyball season sets in, Head Coach Kelsey Lopez has already made a lasting impact on the team’s journey. The players have been working hard both physically and mentally, showing true devotion to their sport. From daily practices to late-night games, their commitment and teamwork continue to grow stronger each day. Each player, whether chasing personal or team goals, is reaching for high standards this season.
Senior Emma Jaylee, an outside hitter and setter with five years of volleyball experience, states, “Our team goals this year are to improve overall and work on communication on the court,” said Emma.
They started their season in August and have had many ups and downs. From securing a win against Orange Cove High School on September 18th to losing against Hanford West on September 29th, which was a very close match, but ultimately led to Hanford taking the win.
The girls’ varsity volleyball later went against Kingsburg, but were defeated 3-0.
Whether they win or lose, it’s about improving every day and becoming better than who they were yesterday.
“A goal of ours this season was to continue to build a volleyball culture here at Selma High! We want to create a program about the sport they play, and learn values that go beyond volleyball,” Coach Kelsey expressed.
Senior Emma Jaylee also expressed some personal and overall goals she wishes to achieve this season.
“To have confidence throughout the entire game, and my personal goal is to improve on setting, so I can help my team succeed,” said Emma.
Sophomore Eryn Dement’s goal for this season is to “just give it your all on and off the court.”
The volleyball team’s aspirations aren’t just to win and gain points, but rather to value resilience and determination to overcome challenges. They learn lessons beyond volleyball that students might take away and apply to their personal lives.
Coach Kelsey tries to achieve this idea of a positive team culture and having a growth mindset when volleyball has its downs.
“I do my best in creating a positive team culture by encouraging the players to always have the three C’s in mind. This is to communicate, collaborate, and celebrate,” conveyed Coach Kelsey.
These C’s help the team learn above volleyball. They are not focused on just winning games but creating a sisterhood among the team.
