News Summary
Bishop Gorman and Coronado girls volleyball teams are poised for a thrilling season in the newly formed Desert League, with both teams emerging as state title contenders. The realignment has intensified their rivalry, as they will face off in the regular season and potentially meet in postseason play. With Bishop Gorman’s recent championship success and Coronado’s strong roster, fans can expect an action-packed competition ahead. The season kicks off soon, underscoring the depth and excitement of Nevada high school volleyball.
Las Vegas – The Bishop Gorman and Coronado girls volleyball teams are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying showdown in the upcoming 2025 season, following the realignment of teams within the 5A classification. Both teams are coming off strong performances, having claimed the last two state titles, and will now compete in the same division after a recent restructuring that reduced the number of teams in the 5A Southern Region.
The realignment has placed Bishop Gorman and Coronado in the newly formed Desert League, where they will face each other twice in the regular season for the first time. This setup could lead to an even more intense rivalry if the teams meet a third or fourth time during the postseason. The girls volleyball season is set to kick off on Thursday, coinciding with Bishop Gorman’s participation in a prestigious tournament in Hawaii on the same day.
Bishop Gorman boasts a strong track record, having secured five of the last six 5A state titles, including the most recent two. Their head coach has highlighted the team’s self-motivation and determination to achieve success on the state level rather than focusing on national recognition. Together, Bishop Gorman and Coronado have collectively dominated the 5A classification, winning 10 of the last 11 titles since 2013, which underscores their competitive edge in the league.
Key returning players for Bishop Gorman include seniors Ayanna Watson, an outside hitter, and Trinity Thompson, the team’s setter, both of whom are committed to playing at the University of Pittsburgh. Watson currently showcases her talent on the international stage, playing in Indonesia for USA Volleyball in the FIVB Women’s U21 World Championship. Notably, she is only 389 kills away from setting a new state record for career kills, demonstrating her significant impact on the court.
Coach Nunley has praised the development and leadership abilities of both Watson and Thompson, pointing out their growing understanding of the game. Other important members of Gorman’s roster include Chloe Lopez (libero), Boyana Pesic (outside hitter), and Aliana Breitling (outside hitter), who will contribute to this strong lineup as they aim to continue their winning streak.
On the other side, Coronado is gearing up for a competitive season as they return with an experienced roster that includes four Division I commits: Julie Beckman (UNLV), Gentry Oblad (Grand Canyon), Rachel Purser (Hawaii), and Hannah Wayment (Missouri-Kansas City). Taking the helm as coach this season, Jazlynn Mau expresses enthusiasm about the matchups against Gorman, acknowledging their significance for team assessment and strategic planning.
The broader landscape of the 5A Mountain League has also become increasingly competitive with the addition of strong teams such as Arbor View, Shadow Ridge, Palo Verde, Faith Lutheran, and Centennial. Arbor View, in particular, is expected to be a prime contender for the league title, continuing the tradition of fielding a resilient team with six returning seniors, including notable players like Tamara Unga, Cameron Reese, and Madison Jameson.
This year’s realignment has reshaped the competitive forces within the league, with several teams previously occupying the 4A classification now moving up to 5A. The 4A classification itself has expanded to include 32 teams across five leagues, with Legacy emerging as a known contender after finishing as a runner-up in the last two 4A title games. In the 3A classification, The Meadows will aim for a third consecutive state title following their back-to-back championships.
As the teams prepare for their season openers, the excitement surrounding the matchups between Bishop Gorman and Coronado is building, setting the stage for an unforgettable season in Nevada high school volleyball.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Girls Volleyball Preview
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Tyler Paper: Bishop Gorman Volleyball
- Google Search: Bishop Gorman Volleyball
- KLTV: Bishop Gorman Volleyball Expectations
- Google Scholar: Bishop Gorman Volleyball
- Las Vegas Weekly: Ayanna Watson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Event Preview
- Google News: High School Volleyball
- Review Journal: Bishop Gorman State Title
- Google Search: Girls High School Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
