Lara Dykstra named CIF Player of the Year

It didn’t take long for Redondo’s girls volleyball team to get noticed this season. They began the school year unranked but by the end of September, the Sea Hawks had catapulted into the No. 5 spot in the division poll.

With only four seniors on the team, veteran leadership was essential. On and off the court, that guidance was supplied by senior Lara Dykstra, whose achievements earned the outside hitter the CIF Division 1-AA Player of the Award.

The selection marked the first time in the history of Redondo volleyball that a player had been honored as the CIF Player of the Year.

Dykstra fed off a strong supporting cast that included All-CIF first team member Blake O’Brien at setter while leading Redondo (29-8) to dream season. Not only did the Sea Hawks sweep perennial power Mira Costa to earn a share of the Bay League title, they reached the championship matches in the Division 1-AA and Southern California Regional Division 1 playoffs.

Lara kept the Sea Hawk tradition alive in the Dykstra family, following in her sister’s Jenna and Devon and brother Joey’s footsteps serving as a mentor to her younger sister Skylar, who played a key role in Redondo’s success as a sophomore outside hitter.

“I loved playing with my sister,” Skylar said. “Having her there has been really awesome. She’s taught me to always be positive, just focus on the next play and not have a bad attitude on the court.”

Lara, who will take her skills to the University of Nebraska, impressed head coach Tommy Chaffins throughout her four-year varsity career.

“There is no question she is super-talented, but what is most impressive to me, was her willingness to train above and beyond,” Chaffins said. “Lara and her sister (Skylar) stayed approximately an extra 45 minutes every day honing their skills. Also, I will always appreciate her humbleness.  She reminds me of the great Mia Hamm, so talented yet humble. I think media and fans pick up on that, which then brings more attention because that mindset/temperament is so rare and refreshing.

“Blake O’Brien making the first team was also well deserved,” Chaffins added. “Most people say the setter must be an extension of the coach.  If that is true, I am honored to have Blake represent the coaching staff and myself. I only wish Tiffany (Morales) would’ve made the team as well.  T-Mo is one of the top libero’s in the country, but no libero made the All-CIF team.”

Also representing the Bay League, Mira Costa outside hitter Emma White was selected to the Division 1-AA first team after leading the Mustangs to a 21-10 record.

In Division 2-AA, Dessi Koleva, of South Torrance, was named to the first team.

In Division 3-AA, Chadwick’s Corinne Hemmersback was named Player of the Year and  head coach Michael Cass was selected as Coach of the Year after leading the Dolphins to a CIF title and an impressive 32-1 record. Chadwick outside hitter Zoe Hamilton also made the All-CIF first team.

Boys Water Polo

Mira Costa goal keeper Dana Tuttle and utility player Jake Miller were named to the All-CIF Division 3 boys water polo team by the Southern California Water Polo Coaches’ Association. The Mustangs finished with a 22-9 record and reached the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs. ER

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