It’s that time of the year again. Courts and fields are prepped, equipment is set up and player aspirations for the state championship are rising. These are the signs that fall sports are back! Let’s prep with a brief recap of last fall’s sports.
Women’s Volleyball
The Grossmont Women’s Volleyball team were the true heroes of the court this year. They have gone undefeated in conference play this last year, including two close matches against Mesa College. The Griffins were unmatched, averaging 12.97 kills per set and 12.56 assists per set. Unfortunately, the team fell just shy of the state championship final and lost to Mesa in a three-set sweep, each set being decided by four points or less. Although close, the season was still a great success with a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) conference title. The Griffins hope to continue their success this season.
Men’s Basketball
The Grossmont Men’s Basketball team has its work cut out for this upcoming season. Even though the team went 4-23 in the regular season, including 1-12 in conference play, there was a shining spot with one of the wins. The Feb. 2 win against Imperial Valley College was quite a nail-biter. After getting out to a two-point lead at the end of the first half, Grossmont managed to keep it, albeit with the teams going shot for shot in the second half.
Assistant Coach James Hyneman detailed what needed improvement in last year’s game against Cypress College: “We need to get to the free throw line more, which means we need to learn how to get out better. The opportunities against physical teams like this are there and we need to take advantage of it.”
The team’s goal is to improve on last year’s record and to have a better play in the PCAC Conference.
Women’s Water Polo
After finishing third in the PCAC Conference tournament, the Grossmont Women’s Water Polo team made a great improvement in the 2023 season. The Griffins went six and two in conference play, generating an average of 8.48 goals scored per game. After stunning Crafton Hills 11-7 and Mesa College 10-8 in the playoffs, the Griffins were grounded by the Jets of San Diego Miramar College, in a 13-8 loss.
Despite coming close in the fourth quarter, Miramar’s early lead ultimately won them the PCAC Conference title.
Kimmy Keach, the Griffin’s head coach said, “The goal for the team is to foster a great student-athlete experience that leaves a positive impact and lifelong memories.” Keach said a Conference Championship would be an additional goal for the season.
Women’s Soccer Team
The Grossmont Women’s Soccer team will no doubt be looking to improve on last year’s record. Despite this, there is much hope for the future. One of the highlights of last season came against Imperial Valley. In a show of rest after their bye, the team performed, scoring four goals in the first half. A good defense allowing only one goal in the second half kept the team’s lead throughout.
The team will also feature many local faces this year, with such schools as West Hills, Valhalla and Patrick Henry high schools being represented. The team hopes to use this local talent to improve its conference record and achieve major victories against teams like City College or Southwestern.
Men’s Football
Despite a winless season, the Grossmont College Football team has high hopes for the players. This season will see representation from at least 35 different local high schools, from all parts of the county. As far south as Chula Vista High School, to local schools like Mt Miguel and Helix, to even Hiram Johnson High all the way up in Sacramento. The representation of previous years of success for Grossmont Football is something that the current team tends to emulate this season.
