The Mater Dei Girls Volleyball Team is known to be a competitive and tough team to beat each season. Not only did they win a national championship, a CIF championship, and the state title last season, but they have also attained seven CIF championships, two state titles, and two national titles since Mater Dei added volleyball as a sport.
The program currently anticipates a successful season, and the players and coaches are ready for another competitive year. The athletes have been working hard since late July to ensure that this season is a great one.
The players practice during the season, as well as in the off-season to ensure that they perform to the best of their abilities. Players also compete during their own club season, ensuring they stay active in their sport. The team practices and trains multiple times a week both on the court and in the weight room. They practice to improve their connection as a team and further their personal skills for their designated position. Coach Crystal Day-Chitwood stresses the importance of teamwork.
“I think working as a team outside [of] the game [is important]. [Things] like the girls getting along and including everybody definitely helps us both on and off the courts,” Day-Chitwood said. “As long as they work together, they can pretty much do anything.”
Each year, the team receives many talented and competitive players who hope to take part in Mater Dei’s well-known volleyball program. One of the players, freshman right side hitter, Abby Moffett, has many insights for this season.
“There’s going to be a lot of pressure on this season, since we won CIF last year, so we have [to be] prepared for anything to come our way,” Moffett said.
Head Coach Dan O’Dell has been both a teacher and coach at Mater Dei since 2013. Not only has he led his team to countless victories and championships, but he has many smart strategies to help the team navigate the court.
“The team goal is to win the CIF again,” O’Dell said. “My expectation is also for them to not compare themselves to last year’s team. Obviously, we had a lot of success last year, but we have to make sure that we’re working on leaving our own legacy this year.”
Not only are the coaches and players successful at their individual craft, they are also very proficient at working together cohesively. The team performs to the best of their ability and continues to improve. The Mater Dei community can help support the team by attending their games and cheering for them, which definitely makes a difference in the team’s spirit.
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