The JV girls’ basketball team is off to an undefeated start. With a new, first-year head coach stepping in after the departure of former Coach Alley Morones, players say the transition brought challenges, growth and a changing team identity. Now sitting at 9-0 in league play, the team credits improving chemistry and perseverance for its early success.
The fast start matters to players because the team is learning under a new coach while redefining roles and leadership on the court.
Returners Reflect on Change
For sophomore Sohni Sandhar, who previously played under Coach Ally, the shift felt significant at first.
“Last year, we felt like a family right away,” Sandhar said. “Coach Ally had a lot of experience and made her expectations clear.”
Sandhar said practices used to feel more structured, while this season involved adjustments for both players and the coach.
“Coach Z was figuring out how to coach us while we were still learning too,” she said. “It was a harder adjustment, but over time we built strong team chemistry.”
Although she misses the experience of the previous coach, Sandhar believes the new coach has developed during the season.
“He’s definitely improved and become more confident,” she said. “That’s helped us improve, too.”
Sophomore Jayleen Fuentes, who has played since sixth grade, also noticed the difference.
“Last year’s coach knew exactly what she was doing,” Fuentes said. “This year, we’re learning together.”
Fuentes describes the new coach as younger and energetic, saying returners had to take on more responsibility.
“It’s a big difference, but I respect that he stepped up to coach us,” she said. “We’ve had to take on more leadership as returners.”
Abigail Leon, another sophomore returner, described the new coach as “nice and chill,” adding that he still pushes players to improve.
“He gives us feedback on how to get better,” Leon said. “Our dynamic is actually better this year. We’re closer and joke around more.”
Players said the adjustment forced returners to communicate more and lead teammates rather than rely on the coach for organization.
New Players Find Confidence
For freshmen and newer players, the season has meant adapting to a new team.
Freshman Nerice Tejada admitted she doubted herself at tryouts.
“I thought I was going to get cut,” Tejada said. “But the team was really welcoming.”
She said the coach’s positivity helped practices feel comfortable.
“He explains things clearly and tries to keep us in a good mood,” she said.
Sophomore Nu Robinson, playing her first full season, also felt unsure at first.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Robinson said. “But everyone was uplifting and supportive.”
Robinson said the coach’s calm approach made mistakes easier to handle.
“He doesn’t yell, so you don’t feel bad when you mess up,” she said. “That helped me get out of my head.”
Players said the supportive environment helped newer athletes gain confidence while returners grew into leadership roles.
Although the season began with uncertainty, players say the experience has strengthened them as a unit.
“We built from hardship to strong team chemistry,” Sandhar said.
As the season continues, players hope to keep developing organization and trust within the program. For them, their undefeated record reflects progress in adjusting to change and learning together on the court.
