After a six-year divorce that separated public and private schools, the High School Girls Volleyball League will once again combine for the first time since 2019 with 14 teams starting Tuesday night.
The GDOE Education Board opted to separate during a May 2019 board meeting. Much to a majority’s disliking, the leagues have finally combined.
Over the past school year, we’ve seen a wave of league mergers across multiple sports, including basketball, boys volleyball, soccer, and more. But those mergers came after last year’s girls volleyball season. For the first time in over a half a decade, we’re heading into an unprecedented season where public and private school volleyball teams will finally face off once again, and the stakes have never been higher.
Public School Powerhouses
The public schools are entering the season with momentum and serious firepower. Leading the charge are Sanchez, GW, and JFK, each bringing a mix of returning standouts and rising stars.
The Sanchez Sharks, the reigning ISA champions, are expected to have an exciting season with senior outside hitter Lyrwana Mugol (ISA MVP), sophomore libero Eden Caballero, and senior middle blocker Erin Clemena. Despite losing setter Breanna Simina to GW, the Sharks remain a team to beat.
The Geckos are stacked with experience and fresh talent. They’re led by senior outside hitter Savannah Dela Rosa, middle Zariah Besabe (a transfer from Notre Dame), and returning senior Mea Manipol. The addition of setter Breanna Simina leading their offense is for sure going to be a game changer for GW.
JFK’s team brings in a wave of new talent but remains competitive. Led by Mylie Navarro, Amanda Lizama, and libero Aryani Magbanua, the Islanders may be younger this season but are quickly finding their rhythm and establishing themselves as a team that can’t be overlooked.
Private School Trailblazers
Private schools once again come in with depth, skill, and high expectations. Leading the pack are the Academy Cougars, Harvest Eagles and St. John’s Knights.
Academy, last year’s IIAAG champions, return a strong core with senior outside hitter Landen Devera, alongside outside hitter Lea Aromin and right-side Megan Camacho. With firepower across the net, Academy is looking to win another title and set the tone early in the season.
Harvest brings back senior outside hitter Niesha ‘A.I.’ Chen, junior middle blocker Prudence Palisoc, outside hitter Juliet Ambrose, and setter Manea Camacho, with solid chemistry and competitive edge making them a good team to watch out for.
St. John’s will rely on senior setter Jia Peters and middle blocker Amara Del Carmen to guide their offense and defense. With experience and chemistry on their side, the Knights are anticipated to do very well this season.
With the leagues finally reunited, the excitement surrounding this season is real. Fans can expect high-level competition, renewed rivalries, and tight matchups from start to finish. The action kicks off Tuesday, and with that, island volleyball is officially back.
Check out the girls volleyball schedule on GSPN’s sports calendar.
14 TEAMS
Academy Cougars
Guahan Academy Charter Stars
Guam Adventist Academy Angels
Guam High Panthers
GW Geckos
Harvest Eagles
JFK Islanders
Notre Dame Royals
Okkodo Bulldogs
Sanchez Sharks
Southern Dolphins
St. John’s Knights
St. Paul Warriors
Tiyan Titans
