Stallions Girls Volleyball wins their 2025 Division 1 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Playoff game, beating Los Alamitos 3-1 home on Wednesday, October 22. They have now qualified for the quarter final game where they will play against Redondo Union on Tuesday, October 28.
“I am excited for CIF, our team has never been in D1 which is the highest division so it will be fun and we get to play really good people. For the game, we will need to focus on our team chemistry and having trust in each other,” said Opposite Hitter Megan Hodges (10).
The Stallions currently have an outstanding record of 21-5 overall, and went undefeated, 8-0 in league, earning them another South Coast League Championship. They are currently ranked 11th in California and seventh in CIF.
“Heading into CIF, I think our team is really excited. With a new coach and coaching staff, we are excited to reinvent San Juan Hills Volleyball and excited for what is to come. I think our team needs to focus on being mentally strong so we can be able to win,” said Middle Blocker Whitney Port (11).
The team is led by coach Cassie Strickland and junior captains, Whitney Port and Lydia Levier. Strickland has been very involved in the program, but this is her first year as varsity head coach after previously serving as the junior varsity and varsity assistant coach.
“My favorite moment was winning the Dave Mohs Tournament which was really fun and a really good team effort. I think this team is special because we truly care about one another and we have an amazing coach and girls who are all focused on just winning and creating a winning culture,” said Port.
Previously this season, the Stallions won the Division 1 title at the Dave Mohs Memorial Tournament with a record of 6-0 and defeated Santa Margarita in the finals. During the tournament, sophomore Megan Hodges was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“My favorite moment this season was beating Santa Margarita. I did get MVP for the tournament, but it was a whole team effort. This season has been so great because we have a really good coach who understands and knows how to motivate us to be the best we can,” said Hodges.
“Last year we won league, but it was really fun to go undefeated. This season I have improved my attitude and not getting as angry. Playing here has allowed me to play with new people and play with friends which really makes you love the sport, especially because it is not as competitive in a sense,” said Hodges.
Before important games, the players meet up the day before and discuss rooms for improvement they are going to implement to win. The players have improved both individually and as a team tremendously, resulting in their excellent performance in tournaments, league, and overall games compared to prior seasons.
“It does not feel real that we won the league undefeated, but we have been so focused on getting into CIF and preparing for CIF, so the league was important, but we had our sights set on something bigger,” said Port.
“This program has taught me that sports aren’t about you as an individual, but making connections and building relationships with teammates and being competitive while also having a good attitude which will always bring you success in life,” said Port.
The season is continuing to be very successful due to their new coach, a strong roster with talented players, and their overall cohesion and new mindset. The Stallions girls volleyball team has already maintained a great record this year and are hopeful to continue to grow for the years to come.
