Taft College Women's Volleyball Cougars A Force to be Reckoned With

The Taft College's Women's Volleyball team is entering the 2025 season with high hopes and a challenging schedule ahead. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mallori Rossi, now in her fifth season, the team is looking to build upon their impressive previous record of 27-5. Last season, the Cougars finished second in the Central Valley Conference (CVC), and advanced to the third round of the playoffs, narrowly missing a shot at the CCCAA State Championships. Going into playoffs the team was ranked 5th in the Nor Cal Region and 11th overall in the state.

The Cougars have one of the most competitive schedules this season. Based on the first state ranking, they will be playing (or have played) all top 5 volleyball teams: Feather River, Delta, Fresno City, San Mateo, and San Diego Mesa. Other Top 25 teams that we will play this season are COS, Monterey Peninsula, and San Bernardino Valley.

Recruitment has brought fresh talent to the roster, with 11 new players joining the ranks alongside four returning players. The blend of new energy and experienced leadership promises a dynamic season. Coach Rossi stated, "With 11 new faces and just 4 returners, this season feels like a fresh start. We've brought in some high-level recruits who have immediately elevated the level of play, and the team as a whole has been working incredibly hard. Their energy is contagious, their volleyball IQ is exceptional, and they've already built a strong connection on and off the court. This is a special group, and we have high hopes for what we can accomplish together."

So far, Jazzahlei Satele has proven to be an instant phenom being voted state player of the week in the CCCWVCA and National Two-Year College Player of the week in the AVCA.

Notable returning players include Amber Makainai, a setter who received CVC Honorable Mention last year, and Shyanne Yamada, a promising libero. Keira Pulido and Lacie Pelayo are former Honorable Mention returning to make solid contributions.

"Our four returners have been instrumental in setting the tone for this new group. Their leadership, experience, and consistency have helped guide the younger players and establish a strong team culture early on. They lead by example every day and will have a big impact for us on the court this season—not just with their play, but with their presence," said Rossi.

Coach Rossi expressed optimism about the integration of new players, citing their immediate impact on the team's performance and cohesion. With a mix of rigorous training and strategic planning, the Cougars are set on making a significant impact in the upcoming season, eyeing a return to the playoffs with the ambition of reaching the state championships.