This article is part of a series focused on this year’s motto of Unum: Engage, which highlights how students engage as one in different groups across campus. 

The Cathedral Catholic Lady Dons Volleyball team is one of the most dominant sports teams in Cathedral history, having the only Open State Championship in history. In 2021, the lady Dons had a record year, going undefeated, and winning everything you possibly could. 

After graduating key seniors, the Dons made it to the state Southern finals versus Mater Dei but came up short. In the 2024 season, the Lady Dons are looking to win CIF again and avenge themselves in their state run from last year. While the Lady Dons have always been successful, it is the sense of community in the volleyball program that means the most to them.

Being a part of this volleyball program is not something these athletes take lightly. The coaches understand the dedication it takes to be a Cathedral volleyball player, and they are equally as dedicated. 

Head Coach Juliana Conn says, “It is a blessing to be a part of a school that provides so much structure athletically and academically.” Her daughter Maya Evens is the libero for the team, so she understands the academic workload that comes with going to school here.  Evens explains how her teammates here make it easy to play the sport she loves. She emphasized how blessed she is to be a part of such a successful and loving program for the past four years.  Assistant Coach Cody Rose explains the sense of pride he carries for coaching this team and the expectations from the school that come with that.

Team bonding is a huge part of the volleyball program. These athletes spend a lot of time together through the fall, as well as year-round due to many of them playing club volleyball together. At the end of August, the team flew to Hilo, Hawaii to participate in a 3-day tournament. The athletes roomed with each other, spent time at the beach, and had an excursion day together. Evens explains that traveling with each other is one of the best opportunities to bond with new teammates.

 With 10 out of 16 players being new to the varsity squad, these bonding opportunities are necessary and help the athletes create connections on the court. Sophomore Kalea Lee is grateful for the rules their coaches have like no phones, assigned rooms, and assigned cars because it helps her grow closer to her teammates. She says “going to Hawaii helped the team bond a lot, not only did our connection grow on the court, but off the court as well.” The girls are grateful that they can travel and play some of the top teams in the country because it helps them grow confidence on the court and in their relationships with each other.

The Cathedral Catholic Lady Dons Volleyball team is hopeful for a 4-peat in the San Diego CIF Open division this fall. Evens explains that she hopes the team can win CIF, which would allow her to round out a perfect CIF record for her high school career. 

With a big senior class graduating last year, they look for support from the underclassmen. Sophomores Kalea Lee, Kylie-Jo Wilson, and Olivia Greenwood are going to be key aspects of the Dons’ success this season. Lee says her goals for the season are to, “beat our biggest rival Torrey Pines, be undefeated in league, and take top 3 in state.”

 The Dons recently visited the Kamehameha Tournament on the Big Island on August 29th-31st. They then attended the Dave Mohs Tournament on September 6th-7th in Orange County. The Dons took second place in Hawaii with a tough loss to Cornerstone Christian, the 3rd-ranked team in the country. In Orange County, they won a thrilling match against Mater Dei and brought home 1st. They gained a lot of confidence through these tournaments, which helped them as they prepared for their rivalry game against Torrey Pines. 

On September 13th, they took on Torrey Pines at home in the Battle Of Del Mar Heights Road. In a very intense game. they won 3-0, sweeping them and continuing their winning streak over them.

As they enter their league play, they look to capture as many wins as they can before the run for CIF and State. Coach Rose says, “These girls can win state, as long as they continue to improve as fast as they can in the little amount of time they have.” Coach Conn agrees and explains that this team is young and needs more experience, but believes they can fight for a state title. As the season goes on, keep your eyes on these Lady Dons.