Christina Romero attends Rio Rico High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID Program. 

 

After a remarkable season, the varsity girls volleyball team of Rio Rico High School cemented their place in the history books with their first 4A Gila Region championship.

The talented players, led by head coach Alexis Bermudez, secured their monumental achievement with a win over the Douglas Bulldogs with a final score of 3-1 on October 23rd.

“It just feels crazy,” said Sophia Guzman, a senior outside hitter for the Hawks. “We didn't know what to expect coming into this season. We had a lot of rebuilding to do, but we all just trusted each other.”

The team boasted an undefeated region record (8-0), an impressive 11-1 conference record, and finished the regular season at #18 in the 4A girls volleyball rankings, after a dominant win against the Cholla Chargers.

Although they were faced with a few losses in the beginning, the team didn’t let that hold them back from making history. On their journey to the region title, the team only dropped five matches in total, bouncing back after two close losses at the Sunset of Summer Invitational to go undefeated the rest of the season.

As assistant coach Kayli Riesgo put it, "It's amazing. It's the first time they (the varsity volleyball team) have won their region. I'm so grateful to be a part of this."

The Hawks will now travel to take on #15 Arcadia High School in the play-in round for a shot to advance into the AIA state championship tournament. In midst of the excitement, Coach Bermudez hopes to emphasize the importance of the same principles that have helped mold the team's success so far: trust and determination.

“I always tell the girls they have to stick together, trust each other, and remember that they have learned they are capable of winning,” says Coach Bermudez, spotlighting the team's relentless efforts, “This team achieved all this because they realized what it takes to work together as one.”

During the offseason, Coach Bermudez made team chemistry a top priority. The Hawks had the skills and talent, but they were missing the confidence and assurance that they each had each other’s backs. While their classmates were on summer break, the girls attended several matches and practice opportunities during the summer months to build this crucial bond that would serve as the foundation of the historic season. It was the missing piece from a Hawks team loaded with potential.

“The sense of trust is huge in volleyball. A lot goes on on the court between the players during a match,” Bermudez added, “People don’t realize how much actually goes into this and what it takes for the team to succeed. It's often seen as ‘just another sport,’ but this team has proven that it’s so much more than that.”

For this high school in southern Arizona, the team's monumental victory has brought a renewed sense of pride, not only for the players, but also for the students. It took tremendous amounts of dedication to overcome the obstacles in the offseason - and to keep pushing through every match, whether it was a win or loss, is no easy challenge. The students, coaches, teachers, and school as a whole knows this team deserves everything they have earned.

“It’s so interesting, because I never thought I would be into cheering for the volleyball team,” said an anonymous freshman. 

“It gives us someone to root for, and it brings recognition to the talent that comes from our school,” commented another anonymous senior. “It makes you proud of the Hawks!"

With the posteason starting tomorrow, the seniors are exploring their options to play beyond high school. Some are currently in contact with several colleges and universities and have utilized the school's resources to maximize their potential future at the collegiate level. The girls all have an undeniably bright future ahead of them. 

When asked about retaining the team’s momentum heading into this postseason, Coach Bermudez highlighted the importance of the team’s attitude.

“They have already come so far this season and brought well-deserved recognition to the sport and school. They know how to win. I want them to remember to play at their level. Whatever happens happens, but they always need to just play their game.”