A Historic Season
The beach volleyball team at King City High School left a lasting mark in 2026 when they claimed the SCCAL league championship. This was in their very first year of participation, and the Mustangs did more than just compete — they dominated league play with an undefeated record. At the end-of-season tournament, the team's success continued, with four of their five competing pairs securing spots in the top four. This performance earned them four all-league recognitions, a significant achievement for a new program.
At the league championship event, the team showcased their strength. One pair finished in second place, while two others tied for third, and the final pair placed fourth. Hollyn Hearne and Xienna Novoa, Stephanie Velasquez and Ella Rubbo, and Monze Camacho and Fernanda Cid received first-team all-league honors. Jocelyn Jacquez and Melody Sanchez were also recognized, being named to the second team.
Defying the Odds
The team faced several obstacles during the season, including a lack of dedicated sand courts. They made do with a skate park that had not been designed for volleyball and even took charge of cleaning and preparing the sand surface themselves for their practices. Other challenges such as weather and scheduling issues further complicated their training. Despite these difficulties, the Mustangs remained determined and focused, pushing past each setback.
Head coach Christine Luna expressed admiration for the team's effort. “This team has exceeded every expectation,” she said. “From the very beginning, we were building something from the ground up. Ten girls took a chance on a new sport, knowing they had a lot to learn and many failures to face. Their resilience and determination to compete to the best of their ability were remarkable. The fact that we ended the season undefeated in league play and had multiple pairs medal in the tournament is a testament to their commitment.”
The team's journey was also bolstered by strong support from the community. Parents and local residents contributed through events like a pancake breakfast fundraiser and by making donations for road trips to locations like Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach. One moment that stood out for the coaches was when the entire team rallied around the court during a pivotal match.
Looking to the Future
The Mustangs are already thinking ahead. Plans are underway to build a dedicated sand court at King City High School to support the growing interest in beach volleyball. The team's success has inspired new opportunities, and the coaching staff — Christine Luna, Lauren Page, Jalen Mendez, and Megan Flores — acknowledged the role that support from parents and the community played in their championship season. As they continue to build momentum, the team is eager to see what the future holds for their program.
