With the start of the fall season, the Riordan girls’ volleyball team is ready to kick off another competitive season in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL).
Building on the previous year, head coach Jennifer Curtin commented, “We have grown so much since last season and the high level of volleyball has made us respect the game so much more; our transfers and the experience of our returners make us a more well-rounded team than we’ve ever been before.”
The team is eager to draw from the momentum of the work they put in over the summer to play against many competitive Bay Area teams. As of Oct. 25, the team’s current standing is 13-12.
“The main goal of the team for this season is to make every team work extremely hard if they are going to secure a win against us,” Melissa Chao ’25, a captain on the varsity team, said.
“We are putting up hard fights against other teams to show everyone that even though we may be the underdogs of the WCAL, we are here and we are going to prove that we deserve to be here,” she added.
Even in the toughest league in Northern California, Coach Curtin is proud of the high level of volleyball the team is playing every time they step out on the court. She likes how far the journey has come for the sport at Riordan.
“The camaraderie and growth mindset are our biggest advantages when facing other teams. We find ways to come together and go all out, not letting one bad play get us down. It’s taken us some time to build on that and finish games strong, but we are in a great place to get some big wins in the WCAL,” Coach Curtin commented.
Hayden Chen ’26, a varsity team captain and libero said, “I’m looking forward to the challenging matches ahead, especially with our new players, as they help us grow as a team. The level of play has pushed the team to improve our skills and understand the game better. I’m excited to build team cohesion and improve our overall performance – we are aiming for a playoff spot.”
Even beyond the team’s accomplishments, “The student section has a significant impact on our play. Their energy and support motivate us and create a lively atmosphere that boosts our confidence. It makes home games feel even more special,” Hayden Chen ’26 added.
Riordan’s volleyball team has six seniors graduating this school year, yet the team has strong support from dedicated, hardworking younger players. All of that, along with committed coaches and managers will help lead to strong friendships and continued improvement in the team’s performance in the WCAL league. The team is excited to improve their performance through every game and is hoping to win the CCS playoffs this year.
