Whether on the court or in the sand, Grossmont volleyball has built a reputation for winning. The women’s team closed last season with a 19-9 record, including a strong 12-4 mark in conference play.
Now, with a new season ahead and a new coach at the helm, some wonder how the program will adjust to a different style of play. But Alysa Wertz, stepping in as head coach, said she’s planning to keep the winning streak going and maybe even send the Griffins soaring to new heights.
“For as long as I can be a head coach, I want to build the respect of volleyball and bring a state championship to Grossmont for the first time since 1987,” Wertz said.
Wertz previously came from Sierra Linda High School in Phoenix. Before that, she was an assistant beach volleyball coach at Arizona Christian University. Grossmont announced Wertz as the new head coach this summer, and she said she is excited to start this new chapter of her coaching career.
Wertz replaces Brooke Callahan, who is now the head coach at San Diego Miramar College.
Some players said they were surprised by the coaching change, as they did not know Callahan was leaving.
“It was a bit of a shock,” second-year Norma Ramirez said, “but she’s (Wertz) been doing a great job with us.”
Cadence Doan, a beach volleyball player who is playing her first year indoors, agreed.
“I was shocked at first, but I’m open to having a new coach,” Doan said. “It’s different because it’s a new style with Coach Wertz.”
Andrea Torres, also a second-year player, said Wertz has been doing well building the team.
“She’s doing a good job getting to know each and every player and understanding everyone,” Torres said.
Players said Wertz’s gameplay differs from the previous coach, but they’re adjusting well and growing comfortable with it.
“My goal is to win,” Wertz said. “Also, I want to set up all of the same fundamentals with this team. I want to have one set way traditionally so it can help us be successful.”
The Griffins will host the first conference game Sept. 19 against Southwestern and the season will conclude Nov. 14 against Mesa. Home volleyball games are held in the gymnasium (Building 43).
