New Team, New Toughness...

Outlook for the 2007 Volleyball Season

Coach Salinas has spent much of the off-season preparing for what is shaping up to be a promising year for the the T'Birds. With numerous fundraising activities in the midst, and some formidable transfers, Mesa looks to build upon a sturdy group of players ready to take aim at the ACCAC title.

The new season begins in August and the coaching staff is excited about the roster, team-unity, and the decided advantage the girls are enjoying in creating their own style. The first matchup is set for a scrimmage against Embry-Riddle in Prescott, AZ on August 10, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.On August 18, the scores will count as the ladies gear up for real in their first competition of the regular season at the SCC Jamboree at Scottsdale Community College.

Press Release - September 6, 2006:

Outlook for the 2006 Volleyball Season

A new coach and a strong turnout of candidates bodes well for Mesa Community College volleyball going into the 2006 season. With only eight players, the 2005 squad finished with a 19-11 record, its best in nearly a decade, and missed out on a top 20 ranking by a single game.

Coach Ku Salinas brings her experience and enthusiasm as a player at Gilbert High School, Eastern Arizona College and the University of South Alabama to the MCC volleyball program. The Hawaii native received All-Conference and All-Region honors while playing on the #5 nationally-ranked team at Eastern Arizona and was named Female Athlete of the Year. Assisting her are Pele Baker who was the 1991 volleyball MVP at Hawaii State and Berta Downey who has 15 years of coaching experience at several high schools and colleges.

Forty candidates turned out for pre-season tryouts, from which the coaches selected a squad of 17 players. “They are all freshman, but we have good depth,” Coach Salinas says. “Our goal is to among the top teams in the Conference and to qualify for post-season play. As the season progresses, I anticipate these young players will get better as they gain game experience. We could surprise some people if we put it all together.”

Two standouts on the team are Jill Riding, a local product from Mesa High School, and Tihani Kekauoha, who played at James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, Hawaii and is also a fine basketball player. Both are outside hitters. Coach Salinas describes Riding as “a very smart, all-around player,” and Kekauoha as a power player who uses her quickness and jumping ability to good advantage.

Others expected to see considerable action are Mandy Gibbons, Sonya Chavez, a two-time varsity MVP at Tempe High School; Malia Tuipuloto; Rayna Downey who can play several positions; Jae Sevy; Sara Ramirez who has won top honors for both athletics and academics; and Nikki Serrano who is a state champion tennis player.

Please contact The Athletics Department for comments or corrections phone: 480-461-7542