SEASON RECAP: Clipper Volleyball Finishes With Strong Season; Qualified for Playoffs for 2nd Consecutive Year

The South Puget Sound Community College Clipper Volleyball team continues to make school history as they qualified to the NWAC Volleyball Tournament for a second consecutive season. The team continues to build upon the success of last year, where they made the tournament for the first time in program history.

“I am so proud of this group of women and making the playoffs in consecutive seasons is a huge accomplishment. This was a true testament to the team’s hard work, consistency, and determination,” said Head Volleyball Coach Tusalava Kuaea. “This squad has definitely built something special. With our experienced sophomores’ commitment to improving each year and being great mentors, and our heavy freshman class coming in ready to put in the work and build — I couldn’t be more proud.”

Sophomore Setter Caelyn Marshall echoed Coach Kuaea’s words when asked to reflect on her time at South Puget Sound. “Throughout the last two years here, we’ve made history and I feel like that is more than just what it sounds like,” said Marshall. “Especially this last season, our team went through a ton of hardships that most people don’t realize and it’s a massive way of showing how we persevered. We had a ton of injuries, we had people who were out with sicknesses, and our coaches were going through a lot. I just feel like we persevered through a lot this season, and we made history, but no one knows how much it took for us to do that.”

The Clippers ended the year with an overall season record of 13-12 and a conference record of 6-6, which saw them finish in fourth place in the West Region. That was good enough to earn a birth in the NWAC Volleyball Tournament Regional games. The team traveled to Mount Vernon to take on the eventual champions, the Skagit Valley Cardinals, in the first game of Regionals and the Rogue Ospreys in the second game.

Unfortunately for the Clips, that’s where their season ended as they dropped both games and did not make it to Day 2 of Regionals. “It was tough to take an early exit from Regionals — especially after a strong season — but that doesn’t take away from the huge progress and effort put in not only from the athletes, but from my coaching staff as well,” said Kuaea. “The team played with a lot of heart and grit, but the Regional matchups can be unforgiving. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the right momentum at the right time.”

“I think we were all really excited about playoffs, but it was definitely extremely nerve-wracking because we were playing the #1 seed [and eventual champion Skagit Valley]. The odds were against us — we were down players and we were missing our coach — but through all of that, everyone was just so excited that we were there for the second year in a row,” mentioned Marshall. “Our goal was always to make the Elite 8 and it was unfortunate that we didn’t get there. But that didn’t take away from the fact that we were in the Sweet 16 and that we were getting a chance to prove and make a name for ourselves.”

And make a name for themselves, they did. Three athletes from the Clipper Volleyball squad were recognized by the NWAC as standout players, earning All-Region honors. Katelyn White, Caelyn Marshall, and Brooklynn Thesenvitz made the West All-Region teams, with White receiving First Team honors, Marshall being selected to the Second Team, and Thesenvitz making the Third Team.

Coach Kuaea spoke highly about her student-athletes that were named for All-Region honors.

About Katelyn White: “Katelyn White, my 6-rotation outside hitter, has been incredible this season — showing both leadership and skill. Whether it was through her scoring or defense, she’s been a difference maker in some of the most crucial matches. I could easily see her playing at a four-year university next year, as she definitely has the tools, and mindset to compete at that level.”

About Brooklynn Thesenvitz: “Brooklynn Thesenvitz is my sophomore Libero and I could go on and on about her. Her work ethic and versatility have allowed her to contribute in multiple areas of the game. Her discipline on defense and ability to step up in key moments, and her volleyball IQ, [has made her] an essential piece to the team’s success.”

About Caelyn (CJ) Marshall: “Caelyn Marshall, my sophomore setter, has not only been a steady presence on the court but is the true definition of what a selfless Clipper student-athlete should embody. Her ability to be consistent, even in high-pressure situations, has been invaluable to the team. Any program would be lucky to have CJ, and I know she will make the leap to the next level with continued development.”

Time will tell if history will continue to be made for Clipper Volleyball as the team is eyeing a third consecutive trip to the playoffs next year. The future looks bright for the Clippers as Coach Kuaea believes that this batch of freshmen have learned a lot this season and are ready to take SPSCC Volleyball to greater heights.

“This returning freshman class has several players who are ready to take on leadership roles,” said Kuaea. “Matagi Maugaotega and Citlali Bautista both have the capacity to step into those roles. Matagi is an all-around true athlete, with her natural leadership on the court and strong presence, she’s a natural fit for a leadership position. She is the type of player who can inspire others through her work ethic and commitment. Citlali could also be a great leader. Her experience and growth this season have been great to watch, and she has a selfless approach to the match and is calm under pressure. Citlali’s consistency and determination are what makes a strong leader.”