The Highline College women’s volleyball team has finished a remarkable season, finishing first in the western region of Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).

In the NWAC West Region, the team played a total of 12 games in the regular season, boasting an amazing 11-1 record, translating to an impressive win percentage of 91.7%. Their defensive skill is highlighted by an astounding 34 sets won and a mere three sets lost.

In the broader scope of NWAC, the team played 36 games overall, securing a commendable 30-6 record and maintaining a win percentage of 83.3%. Their offense was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 98 sets won against 23 sets lost. Despite a challenging last 10 games with a record of 7-3 and a two-game losing streak, the team’s overall performance showcased resilience and skill.

The success of the team can be attributed to the outstanding contributions of several key players. Madison Mamizuka, Aspen Olson, and Sonya Fa’amalele earned coveted spots on the All-NWAC First Team, while Tru Onitsuka secured a position on the All-NWAC Second Team. Chelsea Velez also demonstrated her prowess, earning a spot on the Third Team.

Mamizuka, a standout player on the First Team, not only showcased her skills on the court but also led the NWAC with an impressive 1193 sets for the 2023 season, averaging 10.03 sets per set.

Onitsuka, recognized on the Second Team, exceeded 1000 career digs, with 612 digs in the 2023 season alone, earning her the third spot in NWAC.

In an exclusive interview, Mamizuka shared insights into the team’s journey. Reflecting on a memorable match against Linn-Benton, she described it as the toughest and best-played game, even in defeat. Mamizuka emphasized the critical role of team chemistry in their success, citing trust, strong bonds off the court, and a resilient attitude as driving forces.

Onitsuka, a key player in the team’s success, focused on communication and team cohesion, especially as the only sophomore in the starting lineup. She emphasized the importance of trust, particularly after a challenging loss to Lower Columbia, which ultimately strengthened the team’s bond. Onitsuka highlighted Linn-Benton as the most formidable opponent, pushing the team to bring out their best.

Fa’amalele, reflecting on the season, highlighted the team’s biggest strength: a strong connection both on and off the court, contributing significantly to their success. However, she identified areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for enhanced mental toughness, the ability to move past mistakes, and sustained discipline throughout the game.

“I think the team’s biggest strength was our strong connection on and off the court, which made our team successful. I think we can improve on our mental toughness, meaning we have to forget about our mistakes we made and just play our game. We also had to stay disciplined the whole game in order to keep winning,” Fa’amalele stated.

As one of the standout players, Fa’amalele set personal goals at the beginning of the season. Despite facing a setback with an injury towards the end of the season, she expressed satisfaction with her progress in improving as a player. Despite the injury, she played well, demonstrating her commitment to the team.

“My personal goals were to get better as a player, and I honestly feel like I did improve in little areas. As the season was starting to end, I got injured toward our last two conference games. It was a major setback for myself, but I ended up playing through my injury, and all I could say is I played well but not how I used to,” Fa’amalele explained.

As the season ends, the Highline College women’s volleyball team leaves a legacy of excellence, teamwork, and determination. The players’ individual achievements and collective efforts have set a high standard for future seasons, promising continued success for the program.