Posted: Nov 03, 2023
Nov. 3, 2023 – OLYMPIA, Wash.,
This fall, the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Clipper Women's Volleyball team has advanced to the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) playoffs for the first time since the program's creation. The Clippers will face Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Ore., for their first playoff match on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m.
Head Coach Tusalava Kuaea, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the team's success, expressed her excitement for the team's journey to the playoffs.
"Coaching at the college level has been the most rewarding and challenging experience of my coaching career. For the past five seasons, we have been working hard to build a program where athletes feel supported, challenged, and gives them the opportunity to not only grow as a student-athlete, but as a confident young woman," she shared. "This past season, the coaching staff committed to revamping our coaching philosophy and training to usher in a new era of volleyball excellence here at SPSCC. These efforts are now reflected in our first-ever bid in NWAC playoffs."
Hannah Bredeson, one of the team captains for the 2023 season, has seen the Clipper Volleyball program come full circle. Having been part of Coach Kuaea's inaugural class in 2018, Hannah returned last season determined and ready to lead both on and off the court.
"Just making it to playoffs is such an accomplishment, considering it's the first time in SPSCC history. That in itself is something to be so proud of!" Hannah said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can bring to the table as we face some of our hardest competition yet. We have so much talent on this team, and there's so much more that we can give, and I know how badly everybody wants it, so it'll be great to see everyone come together with the goal of NWAC championships in mind."
Another standout student-athlete who has been a key player in the team's success this season is freshman Caelyn Marshall. Her maturity and ability to handle pressure with confidence and poise as a 5-1 setter have set the tone for the team.
"Becoming a Clipper taught me a lot. The love and passion you have for the sport is what keeps you going. My coach told us we have to find our spark, our why, and that is what will drive us to become the best versions of ourselves. Every day we work to do that!" Caelyn said as she reflected on her journey as a Clipper so far. "As we head into playoffs, I can't wait to see everybody play at their full potential. Something about finally hitting that next level has put us into a different mindset. We know that we're good enough to be there and that we've made history!"
"I want to thank our amazing families, friends, and college community for supporting our vision to bring SPSCC Volleyball to the map!" said Coach Kuaea. "Our coaching staff is committed to continuing the excellence that we have built in the last five seasons and this will be one of the many trips we take to post-season. Go Clippers!"