EVERYONE’S INVITED

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff women's volleyball team didn't finish last season with a winning record. They finished with something more important.

They finished with heart.

Despite a 2–20 campaign, the 2024 Warriors forged a reputation for resilience, positivity, and pure love of the game. And now, with the hiring of longtime Irvine native and assistant coach Greg Wakeham as the program's new head coach, the rebuild continues—with belief still at the core.

"It might be corny, but I love this group—even after two years," Wakeham said. "The players are enthusiastic and full of potential and charisma. The staff are all eager for our team's success and put the work in to show it."

Wakeham's promotion is not a reset. It's a continuation. After serving as assistant under former head coach Andy Cole, Wakeham brings familiarity with the program's culture, deep roots in the sport, and an infectious joy that's already being felt around Westcliff Athletics.

His to-do list may be a mile long. His idea list? Two miles. But his mission is clear.

"I love volleyball, I love the dynamic educational opportunities we offer, and I've lived in Irvine nearly my entire life," Wakeham said. "I can't wait to share it all."

Last year's squad had many new faces, but a few familiar ones still shine bright—none brighter than returning outside hitter Samantha Carelock.

"Carelock is the lightning that will continue to charge our team this season," Wakeham said. "She's full of fury and has been working to expand her game throughout the spring. She's going to be a force."

Alongside Carelock, returning setter Amanda Filipe brings what Wakeham calls "Brazilian swagger" to the court, while sophomore standouts Telesia McGill, Karly Lozier, and Stacy Folas form a core that Wakeham believes will anchor the team for years to come.

They'll be joined by a wave of battle-tested junior college transfers—Renee LePage, Lauren Phinnessee, Lex Quintero, Karen Salazar-Salina's, and Jolianys Roman—and recent four-year grad Dani Sandoval, who is continuing her academic journey in Westcliff's MBA program.

"I love the age ranges and diverse backgrounds on this team," Wakeham said. "New Jersey, Washington, Texas, Puerto Rico, Brazil—we're all over the map. We have great stories and a love of volleyball."

Wakeham's coaching philosophy is grounded in joy and forged in hard work.

"My goal is to deliver joy through broad player-ownership, and impactful Game Tempo PLUS practices—think iron sharpening iron," he said. "I want our games to be a celebration of the work we've put in during the offseason. We want to be a team that can't wait to play together—and that competes for championships."

His teams will compete against Cal Pac and NAIA's best, while also taking on local D2 and D3 programs. But above all, Wakeham is focused on building a culture of earned success.

"This year, we'll have more veteran students on the team, elevated practice expectations, and a push toward a culture of taking and expanding each team member's responsibilities," he said. "We'll be earning our victories."

Wakeham's journey in the sport began in middle school and continued through an All-American career at the University of the Pacific, where he led the nation in kills per game and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2011. He later played professionally in Switzerland and Holland before returning home to raise a family in Irvine with his wife Laura. They now have four children—Jack, Tommy, Will, and Louise—and two dogs, Lexi and Snoopy.

His coaching resume includes stops at the high school and club level, and for the past two seasons, he has served as an assistant at Westcliff—learning, growing, and preparing for this next chapter.

Wakeham's vision for the program extends beyond wins and losses. He wants Westcliff Volleyball to be a space of belonging, a destination for players who love the game and a home for fans who believe in something bigger than sport.

"We want to make our team inclusive and accessible—to prospective students, alumni, and the surrounding community," Wakeham said. "We're going to have a great time. Everyone's invited."

With Carelock's fire, a growing foundation of talent, and a leader who never left the room, Westcliff Women's Volleyball is once again ready to play for something more.

This time, the wins are coming with them.