A year removed from losing all 12 of its league matches, Central Valley’s girls volleyball team showed drastic improvement in 2024 by collecting five conference wins.

Third-year head coach Courtney Dayoff and the Hawks remain optimistic heading into the 2025 season.

“I’m an encourager,” she said. “I’m not a yeller. I’m their biggest cheerleader.”

“As long as we do better than last year, that’s all I can ask for,” Dayoff added. “It’s baby steps.”

A total of 10 players earned spots on Central Valley’s 2025 squad, including Gabriela Delatorre (Sr.), Payton McConnell (Sr.), Sofia Garibay (Jr.), Casandra Carrillo (Sr.), MariaJose Castenada (Sr.), Arely Padilla (Sr.), Khaleah Phounsavath (Sr.), Emily Sandoval (Sr.), Reylena Herrera (Jr.) and Kassandra Torres (Jr.).

Delatorre, McConnell and Garibay are varsity returners.

Carrillo, Castenada, Padilla, Phounsavath, Sandoval, Herrera and Torres are newcomers.

“We have a lot of young talent that hasn’t competed at the varsity level,” Dayoff said. “The jump from junior varsity to varsity is big. I’m hoping we can decrease our errors every game.” 

“I expect a lot,” she added. “But there’s only so much I can do for them. They have to produce on the court.”

Delatorre and McConnell were both Western Athletic Conference honorable-mention picks as juniors.

Delatorre had 140 assists, 111 digs, 38 kills, 38 aces and three blocks.

She ranked first on the team in assists, second in aces and digs, third in kills and fourth in blocks.

McConnell had 100 digs, 42 kills, 26 aces, 12 assists and four blocks.

She ranked second on the team in kills, and third in aces, assists, blocks and digs.

Delatorre and McConnell have been named team captains for this year’s squad.

“I chose them and the team agreed,” Dayoff said. “They’re experienced. They’re vocal on and off the court. They keep everybody in line at practice and during games. They’re positive. They keep the other girls’ spirits up.”

Central Valley compiled an 8-13 overall record and placed sixth in the WAC standings with 5-9 mark a season ago.

The Hawks topped Johansen and Livingston twice, and split with Ceres High during league action in 2024.

Central Valley lost twice to Lathrop, Beyer, Grace Davis and Pacheco.

“When I first took over, we won only one match,” Dayoff said. “I think we’ll finish in the middle of the pack this year if we’re healthy and are confident in our ability to play volleyball.” 

The Hawks and crosstown-rival Bulldogs will face off twice in conference play for the second consecutive season.

Central Valley relocated from the Central California Conference to the WAC during the 2024-25 school year as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan.

The Hawks and Bulldogs both defended their home courts last fall.

“It’s always a fun match,” Dayoff said. “The girls put on a show for everybody.”

“I treat it like another game,” she added. “The kids treat it like a rivalry.”