PHOENIX – After a frustrating 3-14 finish last season, Bourgade Catholic volleyball is turning adversity into what head coach Jesse Santos calls the start of the “we believe era,” inspired by the Golden State Warriors’ 2006-07 playoff run.
Santos, entering his third year, said this summer showed how much the program has grown. For the first time, Bourgade fielded a travel club team, the Golden Angels, under his AZone Volleyball Club. The roster of returning sophomores and freshmen gained experience against competition they hadn’t seen before.
“Having a club team based out of Bourgade has helped tremendously with their confidence and their understanding of what is expected of them,” he said.
That experience also extends beyond upperclassmen. Senior defensive specialist and libero Alina Colin, who has played all four years at Bourgade, said higher-level club play pushed her to raise her own game.
“I joined a different club than what I was playing at before, and for me it was a much higher level and different standards. They kept me more accountable,” she said.
For Colin, this season is also about leaving a mark as a senior.
“My personal goal is I want to be more involved with the underclassmen,” she said. “When I was a freshman, I didn’t really have upperclassmen to look up to. I didn’t have a bad experience, but it wasn’t the best either. I want to change that.”
Santos said summer workouts regularly drew more than a dozen players, giving this year’s roster consistency and confidence. Key returners include Colin, senior hitter Natalia Perez and sophomore setters Michelle Pichardo and Monica Aldecoa, who are all stepping into leadership roles.
“They bring the intensity and the will to get the job done,” Santos said. “Natalia and Alina have played club so they know what is expected. With Michelle and Monica, they’re just getting to know how the system is supposed to run.”
The Golden Eagles still face a familiar challenge: height. Many opponents will have the advantage at the net, but Santos said Bourgade’s style is built to counter it.
“How do we beat height? The answer is speed,” Santos said. “So I train to play fast. When we come across that opportunity, they know what to expect.”
Colin agreed, saying it also comes down to smart play.
“It’s volleyball IQ and making smart choices,” she said. “Working around a player, recognizing what another team is doing and being confident in what you’re doing.”
The Golden Eagles’ goals this season reflect that mentality. Santos wants his team to take opponents that beat them last year to five sets, while Colin said the players have set higher standards for themselves in hopes of building a stronger record.
Bourgade Catholic volleyball opens their season at home on Wednesday, September 3 against Dysart High School. Varsity is set to begin about 6 p.m. Click here to look at their full season schedule.
