SYLMAR VOLLEYBALL
HISTORY
For over four decades, Sylmar High School has had much success in the sport of volleyball. The boy’s volleyball program was established in 1983 and inside of three short years the team posted their first winning season and playoff appearance. The girl’s volleyball program was reinstated in 1986 and built into a title contender within their fourth season.
In 1989 the boys team finished 6-3 in conference and 12-5 overall with three of their five losses to the eventual City champions. Sylmar was seeded 4th in the city playoffs and upheld their ranking as 3-A City semi-finalists. The girls team was also prominent in 1989 posting records of 6-4 in conference and 10-4 overall. Their 2nd place East Valley League finish qualified them for City playoff competition as well.
The girl’s team entered the playoff competition in 1990 as league and conference champions and finished 3-A City finalists with a 15-2 overall record. During the 1991 season the girl’s team once again won the league championship and advanced to the elite eight quarter-finals round of competition in the City playoffs. 1993 marked the third time in four years that the girl’s volleyball team won the league title and the fifth consecutive year that they participated in post season play.
In 1994 the girl’s team not only captured their fourth league title but also entered their sixth straight playoff competition and won their first Los Angeles City Championship finishing the season with an overall record of 16-1. The 1995 season saw Sylmar extend their winning streak to 25 consecutive matches as the girl’s team won their third East Valley League title as well as their second Pac-8 Conference championship and advanced to the City semi-finals.
The girl’s team ended their 1996 schedule with a perfect record of 17-0 including their sixth league championship, their third Pac-8 Conference title, and their second Los Angeles City Champinship. Not to be outdone the boys team returned to the City playoffs in ’93 through ’98 and in 1996 advanced t the City finals for the first time after winning their second straight East League Title and their first Pac-8 Conference championship.
Despite the handicaps of starting only two seniors, being without a gym for practice due to the construction of a new hardwood floor, and having to play all their matches on the road, the 1997 girl’s team overcame the odds by finishing third in the Valley Pac-8 Conference and second in the City championship playoffs. The fourth conference and the seventh league championship of the ninety’s was won by the 1998 girls team as they went on to post a 13-2 overall record and a quarter-final appearance in the City playoffs.
In the fall of 1999 the girl’s team went undefeated in league play and qualified for postseason competition for the eleventh consecutive year. The Lady Spartans (15-2) advanced in the playoffs to showcase their talents on television in the City title match broadcast by station KLCS. The following semester the boy’s team also made it to the City finals as they played for the Invitational Championship.
The year 2000 marked perfect volleyball season for Sylmar. The girls’ varsity volleyball team played with one goal in mind: getting back to final and winning. The Spartans got their chance and this time they made the most of their opportunity by sweeping Chatsworth 15-9, 15-5 and 15-9 at Occidental College - the same venue where they lost to Palisades in last year’s final.
In 1989 the boys team finished 6-3 in conference and 12-5 overall with three of their five losses to the eventual City champions. Sylmar was seeded 4th in the city playoffs and upheld their ranking as 3-A City semi-finalists. The girls team was also prominent in 1989 posting records of 6-4 in conference and 10-4 overall. Their 2nd place East Valley League finish qualified them for City playoff competition as well.
The girl’s team entered the playoff competition in 1990 as league and conference champions and finished 3-A City finalists with a 15-2 overall record. During the 1991 season the girl’s team once again won the league championship and advanced to the elite eight quarter-finals round of competition in the City playoffs. 1993 marked the third time in four years that the girl’s volleyball team won the league title and the fifth consecutive year that they participated in post season play.
In 1994 the girl’s team not only captured their fourth league title but also entered their sixth straight playoff competition and won their first Los Angeles City Championship finishing the season with an overall record of 16-1. The 1995 season saw Sylmar extend their winning streak to 25 consecutive matches as the girl’s team won their third East Valley League title as well as their second Pac-8 Conference championship and advanced to the City semi-finals.
The girl’s team ended their 1996 schedule with a perfect record of 17-0 including their sixth league championship, their third Pac-8 Conference title, and their second Los Angeles City Champinship. Not to be outdone the boys team returned to the City playoffs in ’93 through ’98 and in 1996 advanced t the City finals for the first time after winning their second straight East League Title and their first Pac-8 Conference championship.
Despite the handicaps of starting only two seniors, being without a gym for practice due to the construction of a new hardwood floor, and having to play all their matches on the road, the 1997 girl’s team overcame the odds by finishing third in the Valley Pac-8 Conference and second in the City championship playoffs. The fourth conference and the seventh league championship of the ninety’s was won by the 1998 girls team as they went on to post a 13-2 overall record and a quarter-final appearance in the City playoffs.
In the fall of 1999 the girl’s team went undefeated in league play and qualified for postseason competition for the eleventh consecutive year. The Lady Spartans (15-2) advanced in the playoffs to showcase their talents on television in the City title match broadcast by station KLCS. The following semester the boy’s team also made it to the City finals as they played for the Invitational Championship.
The year 2000 marked perfect volleyball season for Sylmar. The girls’ varsity volleyball team played with one goal in mind: getting back to final and winning. The Spartans got their chance and this time they made the most of their opportunity by sweeping Chatsworth 15-9, 15-5 and 15-9 at Occidental College - the same venue where they lost to Palisades in last year’s final.
 2009 Boys Volleyball Las Vegas Easter Invitational Tournament Silver Division CHAMPIONS |
 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2010 |
Sylmar became just the second Valley team to win the upper-division title since the sport was sanctioned in 1973. The top-seeded Spartans also completed a season in which they set a new school volleyball record by winning 51 straight games I match play competition. As the City Section Champion, Sylmar was ranked among the elite top 16 teams in California and entered the State Championships for the first time in the school’s history. The Spartans’ Season eventually ended with a loss to highly touted Long Beach Poly in the Southern California Regional Division 1 Quarterfinals of the C.I.F. State girls’ volleyball tournament. City “Co-Players of the Year” Stephanie Cisneros and Barbara Smiley led the Lady Spartans along with four time All-City player Nancy Ariza and first year All-city players Katrina Delaney, Krystal Mejia and Sally Teague.
Sylmar High’s unparalleled 2000 volleyball season also witnessed Valley Mission League “Co-Players of the Year” Shanat Lopez ad Daisy Sainz lead the undefeated #1 seeded girl’s junior varsity volleyball team to victory over Granada Hills in the title match to capture the school’s JV City Championship.
Sylmar was expected to be down after the previous year’s City Section Championship, but the 2001 squad hung tough all season and reached the City’s Semifinal before ending their season with a 13-3 record. All-City players Katrina Delaney, Gabriela Herrera and Sally Teague led the way for the Spartans. The 2002 team, guided by two time All-City senior setter Gabriela Herrera, once again advanced to the semifinal round of the City Section Championships and concluded their season with 15 match wins and 3 match losses.
In 2003 the team began their schedule with wins over highly touted teams from Carson and Palisades. The Lady Spartans continued their success by placing second in the Chatsworth Invitational Volleyball Tournament and two weeks later by winning the Venice Invitational Volleyball for the fifth consecutive time. Sylmar was also able to showcase their talents during the season on television in a league match victory against Van Nuys broadcast by LA City 36 cable station. In addition, the Spartans won their own prominent invitational volleyball tournament for only the second time in fourteen years.
First team All-City players and Co-Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Erika Lopez and Luz Rodriguez along with second team All-City player Domonique Cisneros and Mayra Mata led Sylmar (15-1) in their 14th successive post season appearance to the semifinals of the 2003 Los Angeles City Section volleyball playoffs. At the same time Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Cynthia Arizon led the girls’ junior varsity volleyball team to their fourth consecutive league championship.
Sylmar rarely rebuilds from year to year but merely reloads. For 2004, however, this was the exception. Yet, despite returning only one varsity team player from the previous year’s team, Sylmar still managed to win their eleventh league championship. Second team All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the year” Cynthia Arizon guided Sylmar (13-5) in the new 32 team City playoff bracket format to the 2004 Los Angeles Invitational Championship. Valley Mission League “Player of the year” Adriana Arizon, Cynthia’s younger sister, lead the girls’ junior varsity volleyball team to their fifth straight league title as well as to the championship of the Chatsworth High School Invitational Tournament.
Sylmar High’s unparalleled 2000 volleyball season also witnessed Valley Mission League “Co-Players of the Year” Shanat Lopez ad Daisy Sainz lead the undefeated #1 seeded girl’s junior varsity volleyball team to victory over Granada Hills in the title match to capture the school’s JV City Championship.
Sylmar was expected to be down after the previous year’s City Section Championship, but the 2001 squad hung tough all season and reached the City’s Semifinal before ending their season with a 13-3 record. All-City players Katrina Delaney, Gabriela Herrera and Sally Teague led the way for the Spartans. The 2002 team, guided by two time All-City senior setter Gabriela Herrera, once again advanced to the semifinal round of the City Section Championships and concluded their season with 15 match wins and 3 match losses.
In 2003 the team began their schedule with wins over highly touted teams from Carson and Palisades. The Lady Spartans continued their success by placing second in the Chatsworth Invitational Volleyball Tournament and two weeks later by winning the Venice Invitational Volleyball for the fifth consecutive time. Sylmar was also able to showcase their talents during the season on television in a league match victory against Van Nuys broadcast by LA City 36 cable station. In addition, the Spartans won their own prominent invitational volleyball tournament for only the second time in fourteen years.
First team All-City players and Co-Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Erika Lopez and Luz Rodriguez along with second team All-City player Domonique Cisneros and Mayra Mata led Sylmar (15-1) in their 14th successive post season appearance to the semifinals of the 2003 Los Angeles City Section volleyball playoffs. At the same time Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Cynthia Arizon led the girls’ junior varsity volleyball team to their fourth consecutive league championship.
Sylmar rarely rebuilds from year to year but merely reloads. For 2004, however, this was the exception. Yet, despite returning only one varsity team player from the previous year’s team, Sylmar still managed to win their eleventh league championship. Second team All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the year” Cynthia Arizon guided Sylmar (13-5) in the new 32 team City playoff bracket format to the 2004 Los Angeles Invitational Championship. Valley Mission League “Player of the year” Adriana Arizon, Cynthia’s younger sister, lead the girls’ junior varsity volleyball team to their fifth straight league title as well as to the championship of the Chatsworth High School Invitational Tournament.
 pump,pump,pump it up!!! |
 Junior Middle Hitter London Lucien |
The 2005 season marked the seventeenth consecutive year that the girls’ varsity volleyball team qualified for the post season playoffs. Second team All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Reyna Ruvalcaba led the Spartans to the second round of the Los Angeles City Championship. The junior varsity team, led by Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Isabel Moncada, won their sixth consecutive league title and capped off a perfect 17-0 season by capturing their second City Championship in five years.
All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Reyna Ruvalcaba and Adriana Arizon directed Sylmar (14-2) in 2006 to their thirteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2006 volleyball season also witnessed the girls’ junior varsity team win the championship of the Sylmar High School Invitational Volleyball Tournament as well as their seventh league title in as many years. In addition, Valley Mission League “Players of the Year” Karla Rosales and Cazandra Ruvalcaba led the #1 seeded girls JV team into the City playoffs and finished as runners up in the championships with an overall 16-1 season record.
During the 2007 season, second team All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Guadalupe Arizon and Carmen Rodriguez led Sylmar (17-6) to their fourteenth league championship and into the second round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2007 volleyball season also witnessed the girls’ junior varsity team win the championship of the Van Nuys High School Invitational Volleyball Tournament as well as their eighth consecutive league title. In addition, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Roxana Padilla, led the #2 seeded girls’ JV team into the City playoffs and finished as Los Angeles City Champions for the second time in the past three years with an overall 16-1 season record. And, in their first City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Leila Zepeda, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team to the league championship and to be second place finish in the inaugural Birmingham Frosh/Soph Invitational Volleyball Tournament.
In 2008, All-City team members and Valley Mission League “Players of the Year”, Guadalupe Arizon and Karla Rosales, led Sylmar (17-8) to their fifteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2008 volleyball season also saw Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Stephanie Chacon, lead the girls junior varsity team (10-4) to their twelfth league title in the past fifteen years and a playoff birth. And, in only their second City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Andrea Diaz, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team (9-0) to their second consecutive league championship and to a second place finish in the Birmingham Frosh/Soph Invitational Volleyball Tournament.
The 2009 1st team All-City and Valley Mission “Player of the Year”, Guadalupe Arizon, led Sylmar (14-9) to their Sixteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2009 volleyball season also saw Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, London Lucien, lead the girls’ junior varsity team (9-4) to their thirteenth league title in the past sixteen years. And, in only their third City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Players of the Year”, Stephany Gonzalez and Marissa Gutierrez, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team (9-0) to their third consecutive league championship.
Four time All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Guadalupe Arizon, along with All-City player Cynthia Moreno and Evelyn Flores, led the 2010 team (18-5) to their seventeenth league championship and into the semifinal round of the C.I.F Los Angeles City Section playoffs. The junior varsity team, led by Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Marissa Gutierrez, won their eleventh consecutive league title and posted an overall 13-1 record. In their fourth city sanctioned season, Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Rachel Leon and Brenda Organista led the girls' frosh/soph team (10-0) to their fourth league championship in as many years.
Sylmar continued its winning ways in 2011 as first team All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year", Andrea Diaz, led Sylmar (15-9) to their 18th league championship in the past 22 years and into the city section playoffs for the 23rd consecutive time. Led by Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Brenda Organista, the girls' junior varsity team (12-2) captured their 15th league championship in the past 18 years. The frosh/soph team (9-1) led by Valley Mission League "Players of the Year" Rachel Carrillo and Claudia Moreno, went undefeated during their league season to earn their 5th straight league title. Furthermore, a record 31 players were proudly honored as all academic student athletes at the annual post season award banquet.
First team All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Lilian Magana, along with second team All City players, Gladys Magana and London Lucien, led the senior dominated 2012 Sylmar team (18-10) to their 19th league championship in the past 23 years and into the Division II semifinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. The girls junior varsity team recorded their 8th perfect league season and thier third undefeated overall season (14-0) in the school's history of the sport. Led by Valley Mission "Players of the Year" Edith Moncada and Stephanie Pompa, the team won their 16th league title in the past 19 years. In their 6th City sanctioned season, the girls' frosh/soph team posted an impressive 8-2 overall record.
In 2013 the Spartans (22-4), led by first team senior All City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year", Iliana Pompa and freshman second team All City Player Kashauna Williams, won thier 20th league championship and advanced to the semifinals of the Division II City Section Playoffs. First team All-League players Aurea Baltazar and Monica Leon led the girls' JV team to an overall record of 14-3 and a second place league finish. Winning their 6th league championship in 7 years were the girls' frosh-soph team (6-1) led by "Player of the Year" Viridiana Ibarra.
In 2014 the Spartans (16-2), led by First Team All City Seniors, Maritza Tapia, Stephanie Estrada and Sophomore Kashuana Williams won their 21st League Championship in 25 years, and advanced to Finals of the Division II City Section Playoffs. Tapia and Estrada were Co-Players of the Year in the Valley Mission League. Joining them on first team All League were Juniors Luz Magana and Mimi Campos. The Spartans Junior Varsity (12-2) were Co Valley Mission League Champions. Freshman Daisy Mariscal was the League Player of the Year. Joining her as first team All League selections were Jazmin Coronel, Adrianah Grajeda and Denise Torres. The Spartans Frosh-Soph (9-4) 2nd place in the Valley Mission League, were led by First Team All League selections Diana Alvarado and Maria Garcia.
All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Reyna Ruvalcaba and Adriana Arizon directed Sylmar (14-2) in 2006 to their thirteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2006 volleyball season also witnessed the girls’ junior varsity team win the championship of the Sylmar High School Invitational Volleyball Tournament as well as their seventh league title in as many years. In addition, Valley Mission League “Players of the Year” Karla Rosales and Cazandra Ruvalcaba led the #1 seeded girls JV team into the City playoffs and finished as runners up in the championships with an overall 16-1 season record.
During the 2007 season, second team All-City and Valley Mission League “Player of the Year” Guadalupe Arizon and Carmen Rodriguez led Sylmar (17-6) to their fourteenth league championship and into the second round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2007 volleyball season also witnessed the girls’ junior varsity team win the championship of the Van Nuys High School Invitational Volleyball Tournament as well as their eighth consecutive league title. In addition, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Roxana Padilla, led the #2 seeded girls’ JV team into the City playoffs and finished as Los Angeles City Champions for the second time in the past three years with an overall 16-1 season record. And, in their first City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Leila Zepeda, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team to the league championship and to be second place finish in the inaugural Birmingham Frosh/Soph Invitational Volleyball Tournament.
In 2008, All-City team members and Valley Mission League “Players of the Year”, Guadalupe Arizon and Karla Rosales, led Sylmar (17-8) to their fifteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2008 volleyball season also saw Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Stephanie Chacon, lead the girls junior varsity team (10-4) to their twelfth league title in the past fifteen years and a playoff birth. And, in only their second City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, Andrea Diaz, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team (9-0) to their second consecutive league championship and to a second place finish in the Birmingham Frosh/Soph Invitational Volleyball Tournament.
The 2009 1st team All-City and Valley Mission “Player of the Year”, Guadalupe Arizon, led Sylmar (14-9) to their Sixteenth league championship and into the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F Los Angeles City Section playoffs. Sylmar High’s 2009 volleyball season also saw Valley Mission League “Player of the Year”, London Lucien, lead the girls’ junior varsity team (9-4) to their thirteenth league title in the past sixteen years. And, in only their third City sanctioned season, Valley Mission League “Players of the Year”, Stephany Gonzalez and Marissa Gutierrez, led the girls’ Frosh/Soph team (9-0) to their third consecutive league championship.
Four time All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Guadalupe Arizon, along with All-City player Cynthia Moreno and Evelyn Flores, led the 2010 team (18-5) to their seventeenth league championship and into the semifinal round of the C.I.F Los Angeles City Section playoffs. The junior varsity team, led by Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Marissa Gutierrez, won their eleventh consecutive league title and posted an overall 13-1 record. In their fourth city sanctioned season, Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Rachel Leon and Brenda Organista led the girls' frosh/soph team (10-0) to their fourth league championship in as many years.
Sylmar continued its winning ways in 2011 as first team All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year", Andrea Diaz, led Sylmar (15-9) to their 18th league championship in the past 22 years and into the city section playoffs for the 23rd consecutive time. Led by Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Brenda Organista, the girls' junior varsity team (12-2) captured their 15th league championship in the past 18 years. The frosh/soph team (9-1) led by Valley Mission League "Players of the Year" Rachel Carrillo and Claudia Moreno, went undefeated during their league season to earn their 5th straight league title. Furthermore, a record 31 players were proudly honored as all academic student athletes at the annual post season award banquet.
First team All-City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year" Lilian Magana, along with second team All City players, Gladys Magana and London Lucien, led the senior dominated 2012 Sylmar team (18-10) to their 19th league championship in the past 23 years and into the Division II semifinal round of the C.I.F. Los Angeles City Section playoffs. The girls junior varsity team recorded their 8th perfect league season and thier third undefeated overall season (14-0) in the school's history of the sport. Led by Valley Mission "Players of the Year" Edith Moncada and Stephanie Pompa, the team won their 16th league title in the past 19 years. In their 6th City sanctioned season, the girls' frosh/soph team posted an impressive 8-2 overall record.
In 2013 the Spartans (22-4), led by first team senior All City and Valley Mission League "Player of the Year", Iliana Pompa and freshman second team All City Player Kashauna Williams, won thier 20th league championship and advanced to the semifinals of the Division II City Section Playoffs. First team All-League players Aurea Baltazar and Monica Leon led the girls' JV team to an overall record of 14-3 and a second place league finish. Winning their 6th league championship in 7 years were the girls' frosh-soph team (6-1) led by "Player of the Year" Viridiana Ibarra.
In 2014 the Spartans (16-2), led by First Team All City Seniors, Maritza Tapia, Stephanie Estrada and Sophomore Kashuana Williams won their 21st League Championship in 25 years, and advanced to Finals of the Division II City Section Playoffs. Tapia and Estrada were Co-Players of the Year in the Valley Mission League. Joining them on first team All League were Juniors Luz Magana and Mimi Campos. The Spartans Junior Varsity (12-2) were Co Valley Mission League Champions. Freshman Daisy Mariscal was the League Player of the Year. Joining her as first team All League selections were Jazmin Coronel, Adrianah Grajeda and Denise Torres. The Spartans Frosh-Soph (9-4) 2nd place in the Valley Mission League, were led by First Team All League selections Diana Alvarado and Maria Garcia.
Semi Final Victory over Fairfax 2014
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City Finals 2014
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In 2015 the Spartans (13-4) won their 22nd League Championship in 26 years and advanced to the Semi-finals of the Division II City Section Playoffs. The team was led by All City selections setter Noemi "Mimi" Campos, Middle Blocker Lariza Aragon and Libero Denise Torres. Campos and Aragon were Co-Players of the Year in the Valley Mission League. Joining them as first team All League selections were Senior Stephanie Rodriguez and Sophomore, Daisy Mariscal. The Spartans Junior Varsity (11-3) were once again Valley Mission League Champions. Juniors Alejandra Lopez and Alexis Wells were Co-Players of the Year. Joining them as first team selections were Elisa Reyes, Elizabeth Diaz and Julieta Moreno. The Spartans Frosh-Soph (9-3) were Co-Champions of the Valley Mission League. The Frosh-Soph was led by Sophomore Marisol Luna Co-Player of the year, along with First Team All League selections Alana Camboni, Julie Hernandez and Perla Tapia.
In 2016 the Spartans (11-4) won their 23rd league championship in 27 years, and were seeded #2 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 1 playoffs, losing in the quarter finals. The team was led by All City selections Right Side Junior Daisy Mariscal, Libero, Jazmin Coronel and Middle Blocker Adrianah Grajeda. Daisy Mariscal was also the selected to the first ever CIF-Los Angeles All Section Team, made up of players from the 6 Division All City teams. Mariscal and Coronel were also Co Players of The Year in the Valley Mission League. Joining them as first team selections were Sophomore Elizabeth Calzada, Seniors Adrianah Grajeda and Alejandra Lopez. The Spartans Junior Varsity were Valley Mission League Champioins for the third consecutive year and 16 of the last 17 years, going undefeated for the season for the 4th time in school history. Julieta Moreno and Estefania Sanchez were Co-Players of the Year. Joining them as All Valley Mission League first team selections were Elizabeth Martinez, Prisilla Escobar and Crystal Farrand. The Spartans Frosh-Soph (5-7) comprised of entirely first year players was led by All Valley Mission League selection Bianca Diaz.
In 2017 the Spartans (12-0 / 15-2) won their 24th League Championship in 28 years, and were seeded #2 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 1 Playoffs for the second consecutive year, losing in the Division 1 Finals. The Varsity was led by Division 1 All City selections, Daisy Mariscal, Elizabeth Calzada and Sade Jones. This was Mariscal's second consecutive year as an All City Selection. In addition, Mariscal and Calzada were part of the first ever Division 1 All Tournament Team, as well as, Mariscal being selected to the CIF Los Angeles All Section Team for the 2nd consecutive year. Mariscal and Calzada were the Valley Mission League Co-Players of the Year. Joining them on the All League Team were first team selections Crystal Farrand, Elisa Reyes, Cristal Rodriguez and Sade Jones. Elizabeth Martinez, Maribel Torres and Prisilla Escobar were second team selections. The Spartans Junior Varsity were the Valley Mission League Champions for the 4th consecutive year and for the 16th time in the last 17 years. Sandra Moreno was the Valley Mission League Player of The Year. Joining them as first team selections were Freshmen Kimberly Lugardo, and Crystal Orozco, as well as, Liliana Souza and Tania Camacho. Second team selections included Kathy Renderos, Lizeth Avina and Celeste Martinez, The Spartans Frosh-Soph Team comprised of entirely first year players for the second consecutive season, won the Valley Mission League Championship after a one year absence. Araceli Ceniceros was selected as Valley Mission League Player of the Year. Joining her on the first team were Valeria Salas, Guadalupe Vega and Paulina Arias. Second team selections included Denise Torres and Naria Duenas. Also impressive was the fact that a volleyball program record 46 of the 49 players were scholar athletes and 9 of 11 seniors were selected to the Los Angeles Coaches Association All Academic Team.
In 2016 the Spartans (11-4) won their 23rd league championship in 27 years, and were seeded #2 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 1 playoffs, losing in the quarter finals. The team was led by All City selections Right Side Junior Daisy Mariscal, Libero, Jazmin Coronel and Middle Blocker Adrianah Grajeda. Daisy Mariscal was also the selected to the first ever CIF-Los Angeles All Section Team, made up of players from the 6 Division All City teams. Mariscal and Coronel were also Co Players of The Year in the Valley Mission League. Joining them as first team selections were Sophomore Elizabeth Calzada, Seniors Adrianah Grajeda and Alejandra Lopez. The Spartans Junior Varsity were Valley Mission League Champioins for the third consecutive year and 16 of the last 17 years, going undefeated for the season for the 4th time in school history. Julieta Moreno and Estefania Sanchez were Co-Players of the Year. Joining them as All Valley Mission League first team selections were Elizabeth Martinez, Prisilla Escobar and Crystal Farrand. The Spartans Frosh-Soph (5-7) comprised of entirely first year players was led by All Valley Mission League selection Bianca Diaz.
In 2017 the Spartans (12-0 / 15-2) won their 24th League Championship in 28 years, and were seeded #2 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 1 Playoffs for the second consecutive year, losing in the Division 1 Finals. The Varsity was led by Division 1 All City selections, Daisy Mariscal, Elizabeth Calzada and Sade Jones. This was Mariscal's second consecutive year as an All City Selection. In addition, Mariscal and Calzada were part of the first ever Division 1 All Tournament Team, as well as, Mariscal being selected to the CIF Los Angeles All Section Team for the 2nd consecutive year. Mariscal and Calzada were the Valley Mission League Co-Players of the Year. Joining them on the All League Team were first team selections Crystal Farrand, Elisa Reyes, Cristal Rodriguez and Sade Jones. Elizabeth Martinez, Maribel Torres and Prisilla Escobar were second team selections. The Spartans Junior Varsity were the Valley Mission League Champions for the 4th consecutive year and for the 16th time in the last 17 years. Sandra Moreno was the Valley Mission League Player of The Year. Joining them as first team selections were Freshmen Kimberly Lugardo, and Crystal Orozco, as well as, Liliana Souza and Tania Camacho. Second team selections included Kathy Renderos, Lizeth Avina and Celeste Martinez, The Spartans Frosh-Soph Team comprised of entirely first year players for the second consecutive season, won the Valley Mission League Championship after a one year absence. Araceli Ceniceros was selected as Valley Mission League Player of the Year. Joining her on the first team were Valeria Salas, Guadalupe Vega and Paulina Arias. Second team selections included Denise Torres and Naria Duenas. Also impressive was the fact that a volleyball program record 46 of the 49 players were scholar athletes and 9 of 11 seniors were selected to the Los Angeles Coaches Association All Academic Team.
Semi Final Victory over Cleveland C.H.S
11-8-17 |
Division 1 City Finals
11-11-17 |
In 2018 the Spartans (11-1 / 15-4) won their 25th League Championship in 29 years, and were seeded #5 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 1 Playoffs, losing in the Division 1 Quarter Finals 2-3. The Varsity was led by Division 1 All City selections, Right Side, Prisilla Escobar and Outside Hitter, Elizabeth Calzada. This was Calzada’s second consecutive year as a first team All City Selection. In addition, Escobar was selected to the CIF Los Angeles All Section Team and the Daily News All Area Team. Escobar was the Valley Mission League Co-Player of the Year. Joining her on the All League Team were first team selections Senior, Elizabeth Calzada, Sophomore Kim Lugardo, and Junior Sandra Moreno. Freshman Alejandra Larios, Sophomores Crystal Orozco, Isabella Andrade and Senior Alana Camboni were second team selections. The Spartans Junior Varsity was the Valley Mission League Champions for the 5th consecutive year and for the 17th time in the last 18 years. Guadalupe Vega was the Valley Mission League Co-Player of The Year. Joining her as first team selections were Juniors Monica Parham, Celeste Martinez, and Sophomore Daisy Camboni. Second team selections included Juniors Jewel Santana and Araceli Ceniceros along with Sophomore Ashley De La Vega. The Spartans Frosh-Soph Team comprised of fifteen first year players and two Sophomores, won the Valley Mission League Championship for the second consecutive year, and 9 of the eleven years since the inception of that level of sport. Freshmen Natalie Urena and Victoria Trapani were selected as Valley Mission League Co-Players of the Year. Joining them on the first team were Freshmen Maria Zamudio and Renee Reyes along with Sophomore Annie Wilcox. Second team selections included Freshmen Remesis Lopez, Amy Lopez and Savannah Vargas. Also impressive was the fact that 41 of the 48 players in the program were scholar athletes including all 17 members of the Frosh-Soph Team. All 6 Seniors were Scholar Athletes and were selected to the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association All Academic Team with high school all with career GPA’s of 3.55 to team high of 4.3.
Playoff Victory 3-0 versus Hamilton 10-23-18
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1st Team All City 1st Team All City / All Section
Elizabeth Calzada Prisilla Escobar |
In 2019 the Spartans (11-3 / 13-5) won their 26 League Championship in 30 years, and were seeded #4 in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division I Playoffs, losing in the Semi Finals 1-3. The Varsity was led by Division I All City selections, Junior Right Side Isabella Andrade, Sophomore Outside Hitter, Alejandra Larios and Junior Setter, Kimberly Lugardo. Andrade and Larios were the Valley Mission League Co-Players of the Year. Joining them on the All League Team were first team selections Juniors, Lugardo, Briseyda Padron and Sophomore Maria Zamudio. Sophomore Natalie Urena and Renee Reyes were second team selections. The Spartans Junior Varsity was the Valley Mission League Champions for the 6ht consecutive year and 18th time in the last 19 years. Clarissa Leon was the Valley Mission League Player of the Year. Joining her as first team selections were Sophomores Savannah Vargas and Rosalinda Cruz along with Junior Karla Romo. Second team selections included Juniors Ashley De La Vega, Annie Wilcox and Daisy Camboni. The Spartans Frosh-Soph Team included 14 first year players and two returners, won the Valley Mission League Championship for the third consecutive year and 10 of the twelve years since the inception of that level of sport. Sophomore Evelyn Padilla was selected as Valley Mission League Co-Player of the Year. Joining her on the first ream were Freshmen Giselle Cortez and Kayla Criswell-Miyahira. Second ream selections included Sophomore Nemesis Lopez and Freshman Adriana Ochoa. Also impressive was the fact that 37 of 46 players in the program were scholar athletes including all 15 members of the Junior Varsity Team. Lizeth Avina the program's only Senior was a Scholar Athlete and selected to the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association All Academic Team where she was honored as a finalist for Academic Player of the Year with a high school career G.P.A. of 4.04.
2019 Playoff Victory over Marshall HS
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2019 All City Selections
Isabella Andrade, Kimberly Lugardo, Alejandra Larios |
Since 1989 the Sylmar Girls’ varsity volleyball teams have won 437 of their 578 matches for an impressive winning percentage of 756%. The girls’ volleyball program has also produced 66 All-City players Including six Los Angeles City “Players of the Year” and over 25 players who have advanced to compete at the collegiate level of the sport. Additionally, the league “Player of the Year” has been selected from the Sylmar team in twenty three of the past twenty four years.
Let’s not forget about the boys. Over the past eight seasons, the Valley Mission League Championship has been won by the Sylmar Boys Volleyball team seven times and in 2018 realized their first City Championship as the CIF Los Angeles Division 1 Champions. We have advanced to the playoffs twelve consecutive years and have reached at least the quarter finals the seven consecutive years, winning the Division 1 Championship in 2018. In 2009, the team was nationally ranked after conquering the Las Vegas Invitational silver division, beating teams from three different states, including nationally ranked Clovis, Bullard and Buchanan. The team has produced a minimum of one all City selection player the past 10 years, including UCLA standout basketball player, Tyler Honeycutt.
In 2020 the Boys' season was cut short due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. When the season ended, the Boys' were a half game out of first place and were ranked anywhere from #8 in the city. The top eight finish would have placed them in the Open Division playoffs for the first time in the school history. The Spartans placed 7 Varsity Boys on the Valley Mission All League First Team, led by Seniors Aaron Reyes and Victor Martinez, Also on first team were Juniors Joaquin Cantarero, Kyle Pardi and Jose Onchi. Second Team selection incluede Senior Gonzalo Rodriguez and Junior, James Lovato. Reyes, Martinez and Cantarero were selected the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association All City Team. The Junior Varsity was represented by League Co Player of the Year Junior Arvin Batatan. Joining Arvin on first team were Sophomores Zaden Rojo and Fernando Acero. The second team was represented by Juniors Christian Magana and Abraham Hernandez.
Aaron Reyes was also selected to receive the Jeff Engilman Award as Sylmar's Outstanding Senior Athlete.
Noteworthy also is the fact that consistently through the years the majority of our volleyball players have been recognized as scholar athletes by earning grade point averages of 3.0 or higher. Most of them achieved this award while taking college preparatory courses which included honors and advanced placement classes. Needless to say we are very proud of our student athletes and of their accomplishments.
And the tradition continues…
Let’s not forget about the boys. Over the past eight seasons, the Valley Mission League Championship has been won by the Sylmar Boys Volleyball team seven times and in 2018 realized their first City Championship as the CIF Los Angeles Division 1 Champions. We have advanced to the playoffs twelve consecutive years and have reached at least the quarter finals the seven consecutive years, winning the Division 1 Championship in 2018. In 2009, the team was nationally ranked after conquering the Las Vegas Invitational silver division, beating teams from three different states, including nationally ranked Clovis, Bullard and Buchanan. The team has produced a minimum of one all City selection player the past 10 years, including UCLA standout basketball player, Tyler Honeycutt.
In 2020 the Boys' season was cut short due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. When the season ended, the Boys' were a half game out of first place and were ranked anywhere from #8 in the city. The top eight finish would have placed them in the Open Division playoffs for the first time in the school history. The Spartans placed 7 Varsity Boys on the Valley Mission All League First Team, led by Seniors Aaron Reyes and Victor Martinez, Also on first team were Juniors Joaquin Cantarero, Kyle Pardi and Jose Onchi. Second Team selection incluede Senior Gonzalo Rodriguez and Junior, James Lovato. Reyes, Martinez and Cantarero were selected the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association All City Team. The Junior Varsity was represented by League Co Player of the Year Junior Arvin Batatan. Joining Arvin on first team were Sophomores Zaden Rojo and Fernando Acero. The second team was represented by Juniors Christian Magana and Abraham Hernandez.
Aaron Reyes was also selected to receive the Jeff Engilman Award as Sylmar's Outstanding Senior Athlete.
Noteworthy also is the fact that consistently through the years the majority of our volleyball players have been recognized as scholar athletes by earning grade point averages of 3.0 or higher. Most of them achieved this award while taking college preparatory courses which included honors and advanced placement classes. Needless to say we are very proud of our student athletes and of their accomplishments.
And the tradition continues…
Volleyball Heaven
COACHES
Dave Lertzman
Head Volleyball Coach
Retired Teaching LAUSD 2011
California State University, Los Angeles, 1969
7th Year, Girls
2nd Year, Boys
Head Volleyball Coach
Retired Teaching LAUSD 2011
California State University, Los Angeles, 1969
7th Year, Girls
2nd Year, Boys
After graduating from Cal. State L.A. in 1969 with a Bachelor Degrees in History and Physical Education, Lertzman began his 41 year teaching career in LAUSD at Louis Pasteur Junior (now LACES) and coaching career at Hamilton HS, schools that he attended as a student. At Hamilton High School, Lertzman coached Boy's Gymnastics for 17 years, winning City Championships in 1979, 1983 and 1989. His 1983 and 1989 teams were recognized as State Team of the Year. He coached football from 1972 to 1988 including Head Varsity Coach from 1980-1988, winning League Championships in 1980 and 1982, making the playoffs in 1980, 81, 82, 84, 85, 87 and 88. Leaving Hamilton in 1989 with the most wins in school history in Gymnastics and Football, Lertzman then transferred to Monroe High School as a teacher and Head Football Coach, before moving to Birmingham High School in 1996 again as teacher and Head Football Coach. In 2001, Lertzman took over the Birmingham's Girl's Volleyball Program ending the 2010 season with the most career wins in school history. Lertzman retired from LAUSD in June of 2011. Following retirement, Lertzman was an assistant coach at Chatsworth High School from 2011 to 2013. This is his seventh year at Sylmar.
Lertzman served as Vice President and President of the Los Angeles Coaches Association from 1986-1989, during which time he first served on the Interscholastic Athletic Committee (IAC) which governed athletics in the Los Angeles City Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), serving again from 2007 to 2010. During the course of his now 49 year career, Lertzman served as Coordinator for CIF Los Angeles City Section Boy's Gymnastics, was a founding member of the Los Angeles Football Coaches Association (1992) and the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association (2004) of which he served as President from 2004-2006, 2013- to 2020 and Treasurer from 2006-2013. Lertzman was a coach's representative on the Coaches Count for Kids Committee in 1998 that included the establishment of Junior Varsity coaching positions for Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. In 1989, Lertzman's Conference-League Plan was adopted and used by CIF-Los Angeles City Section until 1999. Lertzman also established the All Academic Teams for Football (1992) and Volleyball (2004). In April of 2014, Lertzman was recognized as the force behind a change in LAUSD policy that now allows retired teachers to be hired as paid athletic coaches.
Lertzman served as Vice President and President of the Los Angeles Coaches Association from 1986-1989, during which time he first served on the Interscholastic Athletic Committee (IAC) which governed athletics in the Los Angeles City Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), serving again from 2007 to 2010. During the course of his now 49 year career, Lertzman served as Coordinator for CIF Los Angeles City Section Boy's Gymnastics, was a founding member of the Los Angeles Football Coaches Association (1992) and the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association (2004) of which he served as President from 2004-2006, 2013- to 2020 and Treasurer from 2006-2013. Lertzman was a coach's representative on the Coaches Count for Kids Committee in 1998 that included the establishment of Junior Varsity coaching positions for Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. In 1989, Lertzman's Conference-League Plan was adopted and used by CIF-Los Angeles City Section until 1999. Lertzman also established the All Academic Teams for Football (1992) and Volleyball (2004). In April of 2014, Lertzman was recognized as the force behind a change in LAUSD policy that now allows retired teachers to be hired as paid athletic coaches.
Bob Thomson, Head Coach Emeritus
UCLA, 1972
California Lutheran College, 1983
Retired LAUSD, 2011
33nd Year, Girls; 36th Year, Boys
After Graduating from UCLA in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, Thomson returned to the campus an additional year to obtain his teaching credential. While attending UCLA he was a three year volleyball letterman and played on the Bruins NCAA championship teams in 1971 and in 1972.
Thomson joined the Sylmar staff in the fall of 1973 as a math and physical education teacher and since then coached basketball, tennis, and track. He began his career as a high school counselor in the fall of 1983 following the summer completion the same year of his Master of Science degree in education and his pupil Personnel Service credential both from California Lutheran College.
It was in the spring of 1983 that Thomson established the boys’ volleyball program and inside of three short years coached the team to their first winning season and playoff appearance. In the fall of 1986 he reinstated the girls’ volleyball program and built the team into a title contender within their fourth season.
For over two decades Coach Thomson created a City powerhouse in volleyball. His girls’ team compiled a 317 - 92 record during his twenty-one years including eighteen league titles, four Pac-8 Conference title, and the Los Angeles City Championship in '94, '96 and ’00 for a winning percentage of 78%. In addition, his boys’ and girls’ teams combined to produce eighty-two All-City players and fourteen players that advanced to compete at the collegiate level of the sport.
Thomson served on the Interscholastic Athletic Committee (IAC) which governed athletics in the Los Angeles City Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), is currently a member of the State CIF boys’ volleyball advisory committee and helps to coordinate the Los Angeles City Section volleyball programs.
UCLA, 1972
California Lutheran College, 1983
Retired LAUSD, 2011
33nd Year, Girls; 36th Year, Boys
After Graduating from UCLA in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, Thomson returned to the campus an additional year to obtain his teaching credential. While attending UCLA he was a three year volleyball letterman and played on the Bruins NCAA championship teams in 1971 and in 1972.
Thomson joined the Sylmar staff in the fall of 1973 as a math and physical education teacher and since then coached basketball, tennis, and track. He began his career as a high school counselor in the fall of 1983 following the summer completion the same year of his Master of Science degree in education and his pupil Personnel Service credential both from California Lutheran College.
It was in the spring of 1983 that Thomson established the boys’ volleyball program and inside of three short years coached the team to their first winning season and playoff appearance. In the fall of 1986 he reinstated the girls’ volleyball program and built the team into a title contender within their fourth season.
For over two decades Coach Thomson created a City powerhouse in volleyball. His girls’ team compiled a 317 - 92 record during his twenty-one years including eighteen league titles, four Pac-8 Conference title, and the Los Angeles City Championship in '94, '96 and ’00 for a winning percentage of 78%. In addition, his boys’ and girls’ teams combined to produce eighty-two All-City players and fourteen players that advanced to compete at the collegiate level of the sport.
Thomson served on the Interscholastic Athletic Committee (IAC) which governed athletics in the Los Angeles City Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), is currently a member of the State CIF boys’ volleyball advisory committee and helps to coordinate the Los Angeles City Section volleyball programs.
Evander Williams, Assistant Varsity Coach-Boys
Mitchell Stricklen, Volunteer Coach, Junior Varsity Boys
SYLMAR STAFF
Principal:
Rodney Wright
Assistant Principal, Athletics:
Kevin Frost
Athletic Director:
Melissa Snee
Assistant Athletic Director:
Juan Campos
Rodney Wright
Assistant Principal, Athletics:
Kevin Frost
Athletic Director:
Melissa Snee
Assistant Athletic Director:
Juan Campos
SECTION
LOS ANGELES CITY SECTION
GIRLS-DIVISION I (2016-19)
VALLEY MISSION LEAGUE
BOYS-DIVISION I (2017-20)
VALLEY MISSION LEAGUE
GIRLS-DIVISION I (2016-19)
VALLEY MISSION LEAGUE
BOYS-DIVISION I (2017-20)
VALLEY MISSION LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIPS
BOYS' VARSITY
League Champions
95-96-04-06-07-08-
09-10-11-12-14-15-16-17-18 CIF Los Angeles Division 1
City Champions 2018 BOYS' JUNIOR VARSITY
League Champions
95-00-01-03-04-05-06-
07-08-09-10-12-13-14-16-18-19 |
GIRLS' VARSITY
League Champions
90-91-93-94-95-96-98-99
00-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-10 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19 Pac-8 Conference Champions
90-95-96-98
Los Angeles Invitational Champions04
Los Angeles City Champions
94-96-00
GIRLS' JUNIOR VARSITY
League Champions
94-96-00-01-02-03-04
05-06-07-08-09-10-11 12-14-15-16-17-18-19 Los Angeles City Champions
00-05-07
GIRLS' FROSH/SOPH
League Champions
07-08-09-10-11-12-13-15-17-18-19
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