Southwestern college volleyball team participated in a first time SDSU friendly tournament on the SDSU campus in Peterson Gym in April.  Community College teams were invited by new SDSU Head Coach Deitra Collins-Parker as a good will effort to meet local coaches and athletes and to have an informal gathering for athletes to play.  The tournament was a success for Southwestern College as they beat local rival Mesa College in a game to 25. 

Southwestern College also hosted their first Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Crown Cove Aquatic Center.  Southwestern worked collectively with San Diego City College to bring local players together for a fun day at the Aquatic Center.  Participants played pool play followed by a double elimination playoff. 

"I'm excited about our upcoming season as we have some terrific returnees and incoming freshmen.  Sarah Campos, Lizbeth Lau, Mina Spellerberg, Zoe Revnolds and Amanda Guzman will all contribute greatly to our roster," said coach Rock.  "I believe that the integrity of this group of women will be outstanding and the desire to win will make us a contender for the PCC title." 

Returnees Melinda Fuimaono, Amanda Jones, Whitney Givens, Phylicia Egbuna and Sandy Khanitha will add the experience to round out and balance the squad.  "I am proud of this group of young ladies," explains Rock.  "These women are working diligently in the classroom and on the court to become the best they can be.  Amanda Jones this semester earned a 4.0 GPA and others on the team carried 14 units and succeeded in making progress towards their graduation."

As a sophomore on this team; I would say the chemistry with this group of girls is very much stronger and versatile. With only four returners on a freshman majority team, a new environment formed. There is so much talent spread across this whole team. Versatility is a strength we have that has been a success. There really is no set position for us girls. Coach Rock can put outside hitters to right sides, outsides playing libero, middles playing out, etc. Whatever she wants to experiment, we’re willing to perform with a positive attitude. This group of girls is amazing! I can say that we have a strong bond between one another. We are like a big family. This season has been a growing process for all of us individually and as a whole. "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success" – Henry Ford.

It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when it does not matter who gets the credit. Sad to say this is my last year, but playing with all of these young adult women has definitely been a life experience to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically not only in volleyball but in life as well. I hope to play at the next level and I couldn’t thank Coach Rock & the Lady Jags for giving me a learning experience season. Next years’ team will be just as strong and I wish you girls the best of luck. GO GET ‘EM LADY JAGS!

I have always loved to play the game. Volleyball sometimes comes to me more natural than breathing. When I play, I work hard to achieve my goals. Even when I’m not playing, I’ll daydream about how I can accomplish new heights on the court. But I find that this season at Southwestern I have been working hard to master a different kind of game, one of mental attitude and heart.  Nothing compares to the feeling of loving what you do and loving yourself while doing it. This season is helping shape me into the woman I want to be – with each kill or block, win or defeat, I know that everything is refining me inside and out.