We love these girls!
Located in the hills of southern Los Angeles, Harvard Westlake high school has established itself as a premiere academic and athletic institution in the world! The hardworking junior volleyball women’s team of Harvard Westlake High School is having a phenomenal season so far. The Wolverines entered the 2011 season having not lost a league match in their freshman campaign. The setter, Nicole Elattrache, plays a major major role with the team’s success.
We had a tete-a-tete with head coach, Marcin Jagoda, who has Garrett Yamasaki as his assistant.
So tell us more about Nicole and Team coach…
Nicole’s hands, her style of play and overall knowledge of the game was crucial to the success of the team. In the attacking positions, we were fortunate to have had a crew of girls with solid experience. Entering their second seasons as outside hitters, Marielle Bagnard , Caroline Branigan and Emma Sanderson brought consistant passing, solid defense and a desire to win . At the opposite position were two freshmen battling it out all season in Alex florent and Mila Barzdukas. Both were crucial in the right side attack, defense and attacking out of the back row. In the middle spot were Arielle Strom, Kate Mathis and Elizabeth Cohen.
As a coach who loves to stress the importance of establishing the middle attack, it is to no surprise these three ladies were able to execute running ones, gaps and slides to fuel our offensive attack. As with any team, the libero is crucial as one of the floor leaders. We were very fortunate to have two girls to always be on the floor together to pass nails, play defense and make it look effortless. Kristen Goldberg and Mara Goegecker were always a factor when on the floor. They have an ability to be in the right spot at the right time, which enabled us to not only side out but also transition at a very high clip.
As for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Coach MJ shares…
From the beginning of the year, my goal was to stress the importance of TEAM over individual performance. If somehow we all could understand that the whole is always greater than the individual part we would be in great shape. What has made this year very special was the desire and work ethic these girls brought day in and day out.
Their relentless pursuit of perfection as a team first, has gone on to show what playing TOGETHER really means especially when we outscored our opponents in regular season play by a total of 566 – 375. It is not often that one gets to spend every day with a team for almost four months and not want the ride to end. If it were not for their passion and love of the game, I firmly believe none of their success would have been possible.
As our season has come to a close, I am left with a few thoughts; The most important being that I am so proud and honored to have been able to have coached each and every one of you girls for two years. You embody what it truly means to play as a team and to lead each other through adversity on and off the floor. Having been able to watch you all mature and grow as ladies, students and athletes has been amazing.
Thank you for a great two years and parents, thank you for your endless support, time spent traveling to each match and each tournament! Garrett Yamasaki, thank you, the wisdom and knowledge you brought to the girls and myself was and is priceless!
2011 Hardvard Westlake High School Roster:
#1 Kristen Goldberg 5’8’’
#4 Arielle Strom 6’0’’
#7 Mila Barzdukas 5’6’’
#8 Alex Florent 5’ 11’’
#9 Emma Sanderson 5’ 6’’
#11 Mara Goeckner 5’5’’
#12 Nicole elattrache 5’6’’
#13 Marielle Bagnard 5’8’’
#14 Elizabeth Cohen 5’8’’
#16 Caroline Branigan 5’7’’
#18 Kate Mathis 5’7’’
All together now…
Go Wolverines!
Go Wolverines!
Go Wolverines!
We wish all of you the BESTTTTTTTTTTTTT this season!
If you have inspiring and wonderful stories to share about your team or anything volleyball related, send your story to info@volleywood.net