Ayala Boys Volleyball has one official season under their belt, their inaugural season being full of instability and lack of organization. Not being part of a league last year, all the games played were rather tests to see how strong and how capable the newly established boys team would be. Even though last season wasn’t much of a taste of what the program was, this season is now a time of establishment for Ayala to show just how successful the program can be under a better situation and better stability as a team.
Entering their season, the look and vibe of the team has noticeably shifted. This season marks the program’s second official season, with some returners and some new faces leading the program. Building up this team, however, is through the power of those returners. The new look of the team is noticeable, not only with the new and old faces that lead the program, but it’s through this particular group the vibes feel so different. It’s a new culture.
“Last year, there wasn’t any culture there. It was all just all jumbled around everywhere. This year we have a team, we have culture we’ve established, and we’re ready to get to work,” said player Kiran Wong (12).
Even through the coaching, the ultimate team mindset has been made to work and play as a team, to support each other, and having the same belief to strive to be their best. Ayala’s boys volleyball has had lots to learn and lots to better in order to be seen as a legitimate high school team. None of that is possible without the bond and passion of these young men and the aim to make boys volleyball a staple of the school.
“I want them to understand the value of being a good teammate even when things are not going our way. The amazing part about this group of guys is that they buy into what we are trying to do. I have players that are holding each other accountable while also encouraging each other,” said Head Coach Brandy Townsell.
Besides a different culture and structure to the team as a whole, the biggest difference of this season compared to last season is that they are now a part of a league. The league consists of Garey High School and Baldwin Park High School, which will be the teams first time facing off in a league setting and in general. The schools will face off twice in a season, being spread out throughout the season. Being a part of a league also gives the team a look of formality, making boys volleyball feel like a real and worth while sport at Ayala.
“There seems to be more of a focus to the program now there is an overarching goal to win, like to win league, win CIF and all those big games,” said player Luke “Bear” Mason (11).
This season, joining boys volleyball is more than just a love for the game, but to leave a legacy behind for the future, for those who wish to play boys volleyball at Ayala. Being a relatively young program, there is so much history, memories, and legacies that can be created. Especially now, we are watching the image of Ayala Boys Volleyball being formed right before our eyes, and its through these players that we know what to expect. Through their dedication, hard work, and tight bond, the second season of boys volleyball at Ayala looks promising and bright.
“I’m hoping that we go to CIF, that we develop as a team, and that we get better. In the future years I hope that we have more stable and we’re a more organized team,” said player Cayo Widjaja (9).
Boys Volleyball opens up their season this February, playing their first game at home against Chaffey High School on February 19, 2025. This will be their home opener against a familiar foe from last year, with the two facing off three times last season.
