LCC Volleyball Heads Toward CIF

The boys volleyball team has its eyes set on something, something big, something that only one team can win, the California state championship.

A senior-heavy squad is a good sign for success this year. Former up-and-coming teams got to the state semi-finals in 2009 and received a national championship 2002. In fact, with the exception of 2003, the boys volleyball team has won all of the San Diego Section CIF championships in the last decade.

La Costa Canyon’s long history of great volleyball has been thanks to the hard work and dedication of every player, as well as exceptional coaching. Many players spend all year honing their skills on club teams and playing in beach volleyball tournaments. Head coach Mark Brubaker is optimistic about their chances of winning a state championship.

“If every individual dedicates himself to it, it’s is definitely attainable,” said Brubaker.

The team’s league play record includes wins over El Camino, Carlsbad, Torrey Pines, Escondido, Mission Hills, and Fallbrook high schools. They are a perfect 7-0 in league play.

Prominent statistics include a team total of 34 kills against Fallbrook high school along with 21 service aces in the same match. Against Servite, the team had 28 kills and 29 digs within one match.

Amazing statistics are not the only thing that separates this team from others. Friendship on the team undoubtedly plays a part in the team’s obvious success. Senior setter Jacob Chu told of the relationship between teammates.

“The bond with our team is huge. As far as the seniors go, we’ve played in high school together since freshman year, with many of us playing on the same club team too. We are all really good friends, and we love playing together every day during the season,” said Chu.

The rare mix of skill, coaching, hard work, and team chemistry has resulted in an experience that will never be forgotten by any member of the LCC volleyball team. They have become accustomed to winning, and have thus set their sights well beyond a CIF title.

This opportunity has extended a challenge to the following JV and freshmen-sophomore teams to excel in coming years. Club volleyball training as well as personal determination has allowed for five freshmen to advance to JV this year: Brandon Woodard, Adam Mester, Kendall Ratter, Brad Gretsch, and Luke Budwig. Blocker Brandon Woodard spoke about his volleyball progression.

“When I started I wasn’t that great, but I always pushed myself,” said Woodard.

“The talent pool of the freshman this year is amazing. In my four years, I’ve never seen so many incoming freshmen who actually know how to play volleyball and for that matter, who actually know how to play very well. They are a huge positive influence for the years to come,” said Chu.

Hopefully LCC volleyball can pull through on a state championship and continue to keep their dominance in San Diego County. CIF playoffs begin in May.

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