At Webb, where student athletes carry the “student” before the “athletes,” our teams prove that academic excellence and athletic drive can go hand in hand. As the regular season wraps up, many of our teams have punched their tickets to the CIF playoffs, showing that dedication in the classroom and on the court can lead to success on both fronts. Webb’s fall athletes pushed through the season with perseverance, teamwork, and energy; each team brought something unique from the season to CIF – from record-breaking performances to unforgettable comebacks. 

Girls’ Volleyball 

Ranking first in their league and sweeping their opponents with an 8-0 winning streak, girls’ volleyball was the first team of the season to advance to CIF in the 2025 fall season. Six AM practice and an unending cycle of game videos are the secret behind their success. Despite what others might assume, their CIF preparation didn’t just start after their winning streak, though. 

“We built a foundation through consistent daily habits, accountability, and communication,” said Sahara Martinez, girls varsity volleyball head coach. “The team set high standards early on, and the trust and connection within the group allowed everyone to push each other toward those goals.” 

The early signs of consistency in these daily habits—along with the trust they had in each other—carried them not only straight to the first-round of playoffs but also helped one of their players achieve seventh place statewide for most aces made.  

“Repetition of the drills really helped me,” said Alexandra Wang (‘27), the team’s setter. “The consistency allowed me to develop a routine which I think in some way helped me achieve that ranking.” 

As the first round of CIF approached, while other volleyball teams rushed to adjust to the intensity of training, the girls’ volleyball team instead focused on refinement. Their practices weren’t about overhauling strategies, but about sharpening skills that are already there.  

“The practices were pretty much the same,” said Kate Cook (‘27). “They were just more defense heavy and more focused on scrimmaging.” 

Rather than letting the anxiety and excitement of their first CIF volleyball game in their career at Webb take over, they channeled their energy into discipline and focus. The players worked hard in practice, fine-tuning their routines, even spending time outside of practice studying their opponent’s gameplay. They pushed themselves with their routines and skills, setting an example of the commitment that got them to the first round of CIF.  

“We didn’t make CIF last year,” Kate Cook (‘27), “but we did this year, which just showed how far we’ve come as a team.”  

Despite losing in the playoffs, the season solidified the team’s legacy as one of the strongest in recent years—a testament to their unity, commitment, and the ability to show up everyday to practice with 100% effort.  

Girls’ Tennis 

After a season of intense practices and hard-fought games, the varsity girls’ tennis team found itself in the first round of CIF. Led by senior captains like Anna Park, a veteran who had competed in varsity and gone to individuals all her years at Webb, girls’ tennis is no stranger to the intense competition at CIF. 

“I went to individuals all four years,” Anna Park (‘26), captain of varsity girls’ tennis. “I also went to CIF my freshman, sophomore, and this year.” 

After a close 10-8 victory, the varsity girls’ tennis team advanced into the first round of team CIF, ready to take their hard work and determination to another level. Instead of softening their grip on the racket after the win that secured their CIF tickets, the girls stepped right back onto the court to focus on the first round. 

“To prepare them for CIF, I held weekend and individual practices for the people who are going to CIF individuals,” Ricky Lizardo, head coach of girls’ tennis, said. “The practice intensity for the team also increased when they got into CIF, a lot more stamina and skill training.” 

The personalized practices allowed each of them to refine their skills and find their own strengths, which carried them all the way to CIF individuals. The targeted practices gave each player a chance to hone their skills and made them feel seen. 

“Our coach has been our biggest supporter this entire season,” Sakeena Hussain (‘27) said. “He is very encouraging, even on the slower days, and he has helped everyone become more passionate about playing tennis, not just to win, but to have fun and strive to grow.” 

With the support from Coach Ricky, newer varsity players felt calm and prepared for their first CIF playoffs game.  

“I think the extra practice really helped make not just us but the newcomers more prepared too,” Anna said. “I talked to them and compared to my first time, they’re way less nervous.” 

Although the girls’ tennis team fell short in that first round, losing with a very close margin of 8-10. The 2025 fall season still marked a year of growth, determination, and teamwork for the team. From weekend practices to competitive tiebreakers, the players’ trust in themselves and each other never wavered. 

Girls’ Golf  

The 2025 fall season ends with a league champion title for the girls’ golf team, the second trophy in the case since 2022. Heading into CIF, the team’s rank puts them inDivision 3 this year, finishing the 2025 season with a strong game at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard. 

Though the team’s successes are commendable, the players also acquired significant personal growth. Notably, the experience for Miranda Li (‘27), Tracy Ren (‘28), and Kailey Kuo (‘29) at league prelims and finals was especially memorable. These players advanced into finals despite a rough round at prelims the day before, persevering mentally and physically through the game. 

“I was worried because I did not do well the first day, so I did not know what to expect at finals,” Kailey said. “But surprisingly, I did a little better and I was proud of that.” 

As a result of their determination to hole out even if the bunkers, trees, or boundary lines interfered with smooth play, all three girls ranked in the top eight out of the San Joaquin League golfers: Miranda in sixth place, Kailey in seventh place, and Tracy in eighth place.  

Pushing through in the face of challenges is the mindset that allowed for the return in performance at league finals to occur, an element of successful golf that the coaches prepared players for all season. 

“Our coaches always encourage us to adjust our mindsets and refresh before the next swing if we are struggling, no matter if it is in a match or just practice,” Mia Li (‘27) said. “We also support one another, and I think our team dynamic is really valuable.” 

The girls’ golf team shares memories beyond playing golf together: the conversations at the putting green, snack breaks in the pro shop, and food stops before heading home after matches are the moments that really made the season unforgettable for the players. Exceptional performances in league and CIF may conclude the 2025 season for the girls, but it also marks the beginning of dedication to the team in future seasons that originated this fall at the Marshall Canyon Golf Course.  

Boys’ Water Polo 

“This season is dedicated to growth, community, and discipline,” said Albert Taylor, co-captain of the boys’ water polo team.  

The players had a productive season navigating through successes and challenges. Placed into Division 4 for CIF, ranking up second year in a row, the team saw growth in both skill and team camaraderie despite not being able to advance past the first round of CIF.  

“Ranking up in CIF means we are progressing,” said Sawyer Belville, science department faculty and boys’ and girls’ water polo coach. “But that also means we face more challenges.” 

Among the challenges was the change in leadership and positions this year. With the graduation of strong senior leaders last year, the new captains, Albert Taylor (‘26), Allen Wan (‘26), and Tobey Ng (‘26), needed time to adjust to their roles initially.  

“It was difficult for them in the beginning, but the seniors eventually stepped up in a really big way,” Ms. Belville said.  

The team also addressed their goals when they prepared for CIF. At the beginning, each player set personal and team goals for the upcoming season, many of which were accomplished later on. These include exceeding a 60%-win rate out of the 28 games played for the boys’ water polo team; improving personal skills such as communication, passes, drives, and flocks; and scoring certain amounts of goals.  

“Coach gave us a lot of clips to watch that targeted fixing our own specific weaknesses,” Neil Xu (‘27) said. “This helped build our own individual skills in preparation for games and CIF.” 

Team camaraderie was improved this year as well.  

“We have great chemistry and there is little tension in the team,” Allen said. “Everyone is on the same page, allowing us to accomplish our goals easier.” 

As the current senior captains’ water polo careers end here at Webb, the rising senior players are left with inspirational experiences on how to lead a team with maturity and discipline while maintaining camaraderie in preparation for next year.  

Boys’ Cross Country 

Although the boys’ cross-country team successfully qualified for CIF prelims, winning fourth in league, the process of getting here was not simple. 

“The pre-season preparation was a little disappointing,” said Brian Caldwell, mathematics department faculty and head coach of the boys’ cross-country team. “However, once they got to Webb, all the runners trained hard with great attitudes.” 

To prepare for CIF, the team had to reawaken the skills that were dulled over summer. Running in high heats of 110 degrees fahrenheit with minor injuries became a common practice for many runners on the team. Yet, these challenges could not hinder the boys’ determination to push their limits at every practice. Sometimes, extra individual practices were done to boost skills. 

“Even if it is the weekend or I am injured, I still go to the fitness room or track to stay in shape and focus on techniques, like breathing,” Jerry Zou (‘27) said.  

The intensity of practices also increased this season. 

“Coach Caldwell heightened the intensity of our workouts to better prepare us for CIF,” John Zhu (‘29) said.  

Heading into CIF prelims, the boys’ team held no unrealistic expectations for results, but rather a hope to see every runner try their best. 

“I did not have crazy expectations this year because we are currently rebuilding our team with the freshmen and sophomores,” said Kevin Wang (‘27), co-captain of the boys’ cross-country team.  

This goal is also reflected in other runners of the team, who endedthe season with valuable insights on the importance of commitment and dedication to the sport. 

“Something new I learned this season is the importance of committing to this sport in order to see improvement,” Jerry said. “I did not train over summer and returned as a slower runner, but after practicing hard at Webb, I hit a six-minute improvement.” 

As cross-country practices continue, the boys will head into the first round of CIF prepared and ready to take on Mt. SAC.  

Football 

The football team powered through the first game of Division 14 CIF with a special tactic by the coaches: impersonation.  

“Because we knew the makeup of the opposite team, our coaches decided to dress up as their special players, so we knew who to focus on and who to call out for specific plays and formations,” said Aaden Mozia (‘26), co-captain of the football team.  

With this approach, although Webb was unable to advance past the first round, the team played a close game against Anaheim High School.  

Prior to CIF, the team placed third in league this year; throughout the season, the team has also contributed multiple highlights. Most notably, at a game against Hamilton High School, players broke personal or pre-existing records: Mikey Pino (‘26) with 9 touchdowns and Aidan Kaushal (‘28) with 4 interceptions.  

However, as the season neared an end, many players sustained injuries following intense practices. 

“Even though we each individually do our best to take care of our injuries, these small things do end up affecting our play because we are such a small team,” Aaden said.  

Yet, the team always pushed hard at every practice and game. Through these moments of training and playing together, the team built an especially strong connection. Quality team chemistry allowed players to perform confidently and effectively in the face of sudden challenges as a result of the mutual trust formed throughout the season. This intragroup support has extended even to the coaches.  

“Our coaches always motivate us to become better players,” Kevin Baeg (‘28) said. “I love my teammates and coaches.” 

The 2025 fall season closed out with an important lesson for the football team: supporting one another regardless of the situation.  

Conclusion 

More than the wins and losses, the 2025 fall season was a season of improvement, determination, and unforgettable memories. With the support of students, families, and the Webb community, the fall sport season came to an end, setting the stage for an exciting season of winter sports ahead.