AZTEC – With just days before the season begins, local high school volleyball teams across San Juan County are preparing to vie for the District 1-4A crown amid a notable alignment change.
Shiprock, a top contender that placed third in last year’s district standings and tied Miyamura with a 7-3 record, moves to District 1-3A this fall. Aztec, Bloomfield, Kirtland Central, Gallup and Miyamura remain in District 1-4A.
Aztec welcomes new head volleyball coach Shawn Edwards, who succeeds Anna Strauss.
Strauss led the Tigers to a state title in 1992 against Kirtland Central and posted Aztec’s best modern record in 2022, finishing 22-5 overall and 10-0 in district play to capture first place in District 1-4A. The Tigers fell in the second round of the state playoffs that year to St. Pius.
Edwards previously coached at Durango High School and co-owns a volleyball club in Farmington with his wife, Lindy. Their daughter, Madison, was a five-year starter for the Tigers and a first-team all-state selection as a senior in 2022.
“We have volleyball fever,” Edwards said. “We’ve got some history here at Aztec, and we’re just ready to come back and see what we can do.”
The Tigers are coming off a tough season, finishing 7-16 overall and 1-9 in district play to finish last. This year, Aztec looks to build on that experience with several returning seniors.
“We had back-to-back 1-9 records in district, so our motto is going to be, ‘It starts with two wins,’” Edwards said. “All of our non-district schedule is competitive, so that’s going to catch us up to a different level of speed.”
Edwards said the Tigers will emphasize aggressive play. Riley Yoakum and Khloe Schmidt return to anchor the squad. Yoakum led Aztec with 184 kills last season, while Schmidt brings an all-around game to the lineup. In addition to finishing second on the team with 123 kills, Schmidt led the Tigers with 272 digs and 43 service aces. Senior Ava Poyer recorded 33 aces last season, third highest on the team.
The Tigers open their season Friday at the East Mountain Tournament, facing McCurdy in the first round.
Kirtland Central enters the season looking to build on a 19-6 campaign that ended with a District 1-4A championship and a trip to the Class 4A state tournament as the No. 9 seed.
The Broncos fell to St. Pius in the opening round before Portales eliminated them in consolation play.
Kirtland Central must replace several seniors from last year’s roster but returns an experienced core, including eight seniors: Kamryn Kee, Cayla Lee, Aliyah Becenti, Kiana Tsosie, Madison Howe, Taylor Hanna, Jasmyn Buckner and Devayah Powers.
The Broncos overcame two early losses against San Juan and Farmington before finding their rhythm, winning nine of their next 10 matches — including victories over Piedra Vista, Bloomfield and Shiprock.
Kirtland Central carried that momentum into district play, posting a combined 27-5 set record against district opponents. Its lone district loss came at Shiprock, falling 3-2 in five sets.
The Broncos open their title defense at 7 p.m. Thursday when they travel to face Navajo Prep.
The Bobcats enter the season seeking improvement after a 7-16 campaign in which they finished fifth in the district at 2-8. After graduating four seniors, Bloomfield will rely on six returning seniors for leadership.
The departure of Tiana Williamson leaves a vacancy on defense. Williamson led the team with 507 digs, 533 passes off serve and 52 aces.
Senior Kailani Mariano is expected to take on a larger leadership role while powering the attack. Mariano led the Bobcats with 182 kills last season and posted a team-high .158 hitting percentage.
At the net, sophomore McKenzie Williams provides a physical presence after leading the team with 66 blocks last year. Senior Sophia Gallegos also returns after recording 30 blocks.
Bloomfield opens its schedule at 6 p.m. Tuesday when it hosts Grants.