Temecula Viper Volleyball Club

Viper Athlete Spotlight  

Julia Cubbedge
January, 2010

About Julia
Julia is an only child. She is 13 years old and is a 7th grader at Bella Vista Middle School. And guess what, she has straight A's! Julia is also involved in ASB and yearbook. In addition to school and playing volleyball, she ran cross country for her school team this fall.

This is Julia's fourth year at Viper. She started out on Steve's 12's Local team, played on the 12-Regional team with MeriJo and also the 12-Elite team with Merijo. Her team last year took 3rd place at the Volleyball festival.

Julia is a setter and right side attacker and is currently on the 14 Elite team. Get this, Julia touches higher than anyone else on the team! Go girl!
 
Fun Facts
What's your favorite thing to do outside of school & volleyball? My favorite thing to do outside of volleyball is to hang out with my best friend Rylie, go to the beach, support my friends at their baseball games, and shop! (:
 
Did you do anything fun this summer? I went to Pacific Beach for a week with my family and my best friend, it was a blast! We spent most of our time bruising up our legs on the skimboard.

What's your favorite theme park? Six Flags all the way! Wahoo (:

What's your favorite quality in a friend? My favorite quality in a friend is a good sense of humor.

 

What was it like playing against Puerto Rico at Festival in front of all the Viper fans? It was very exciting but at the same time nerve wracking because you don't want to mess up in front of the whole Viper Volleyball Club on your 12th birthday!! ( we attached a pic that shows all the Viper girls)

 

What's your favorite viper moment? My favorite viper moment was at SCVA Regional's last year, when I was making kill after kill in all my games.

 

What's a quality you have that you like about yourself? Well, I'm very forgiving of people and I don't get mad easily.

What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for my family and how they love and care about me so much.

September 2009

High School volleyball is now into the competition part of the season and our kids are really kicking butt! Most of the Varsity high school teams in the valley are comprised of 3 or more starters from Viper (in some cases freshman)! This really says a lot about the talent of our girls and the level of Viper's training. We are so proud of you, girls!

Taylor Johnson is the starting setter/right side hitter for Chaparral High School's Varsity team.  She is one of the loudest players on the court and is really developing her leadership skills.  She is having fun jump setting as much as she can and loving the fact that she can play with and get to know other older Viper players on her team who treat her as a little sister.

Cassidy Wilson made the Varsity volleyball team at Temecula Valley High School. She is so excited and will be playing outside hitter. The team, which consists of many fellow Viper players, was very welcoming. She is looking forward 2 an exciting season.

Morgan Nunley is having a great time adjusting to high school and varsity volleyball. Outside of summer league, Vista Murrieta has only had one scrimmage against Elsinore and Temescal Canyon.  So far, Morgan is playing as a utility player, and plays wherever she is needed.  She has ran a 6-2 setting in the back row, and hit opposite.  When she sets, it's a very comfortable and natural connection with her fellow 14-1 Viper teammate, Alyse Whitaker. She is really looking forward to gaining more experience in other positions this season and making contributions to a successful freshman season.

Raevyn Aiono made the varsity team at Corona High School and is positioned as the starting setter. This is a big accomplishment for Raevyn (#16) who currently runs a 5-1 with her team. Raevyn's words: "I'm a lady Panther! I'm having fun, learning everyday while playing the sport I love! I'm thankful for the all around training I've received at Viper because without there support, I would not be playing at the level I am now. Thanks VIPER"

Alyse Whitaker made the varsity team at Vista Murrieta and is really excited to join Morgan and a few other Vipers this season. There are three players in Alyse's position and she is working hard to earn playing time. More than anything she is just enjoying the experience of being in High School and playing for Varsity as a freshman.

Amanda Strack is one of 2 setters on Varsity at Great Oak. She is really excited to work with a great group of girls and a new Viper coach, Trevor. Amanda is learning to play at a faster pace and get to more balls - and to take charge on the floor! She is really excited to have this opportunity to play at a higher level.

Jaydra Thurber moved to Temecula in January of this year and has really improved in a short amount of time. Her competitiveness and athleticm, along with hard work, helped her to make the Varsity team at Chapparal High School. She is really excited to keep on learning and play at a high level.

Annika Backlund is playing Outside hitter for MVHS JV. She was voted team captain with the junior setter on the team. She was brought up to varsity for the Saddleback Tournamnet, and actually got to play a little! She is excited about her coaches- one being Kat from Viper and the great opportunity she will have to grow in experience as a player and team leader.

Congratulations to all our Viper freshman making an impact. Please send Dana a summary of what your daughter is up to for the next newsletter! More to come next month!

_______________________________________________________________

Miss. Kelsy Yunker is a Senior, Co-Captain on 18-Angie, and has demonstrated excellence on and off the volleyball court. As a club, we would like to recognize her as a Viper Volleyball "Athlete in the Spotlight" for the month of June.

Kelsy has been a Varsity stand out for her four years at Paloma Valley High School and has great goals for an even brighter future. I had the honor of having an exclusive interview with Kelsy and here is what she had to say:
 
AE: How old are you?
KY: I am 17. I turn 18 on Monday!(June 8th) Then I graduate on Saturday!
 
AE: What position do you play?
KY: Outside Hitter
 
AE: How long have you been in the Viper program?
KY: 4 years
 
AE: How long have you been playing volleyball?
KY: 5 years. Since 8th grade.
 
AE: What are your plans for next year?
KY: I hope to play volleyball somewhere. Simpson University in Redding, CA is my #1 choice. I am starting to apply for grants.
 
AE: What made you decide to start playing volleyball?
KY: I played softball my whole life. I was a pitcher. When I found out the middle school was starting a program I thought, 'Oh, I should try that, so I did, and fell in love with it. Then, I quit softball,' she laughs.
 
AE: What do you do to get prepared for a match?
KY: Well, the night before a match(I learned this from Rochelle) I picture myself doing ten perfect passes and ten different hits. In the morning, I try not to be too nervous, but get motivated by motivating the team. That gets me fired up.
 
AE: There are a lot of ups and downs during a volleyball match. What do you do/think to stay positive?
KY: Hmmm... what do I do? I think to myself, 'It's fine, it's okay.' I also make sure to give atleast one person a high five and make sure I stay in my captain role of being positive. I cheer on my team, saying, 'let's side out.'
 
AE: Who is your favorite music artist?
KY: I don't really have one.
AE: Okay, well what kind of music gets you pumped up for a match?
KY: Upbeat Hip Hop or Techno.
 
AE: What is your favorite food? Favorite Restaurant?
KY: Manicotti. And Johnny Carinos. The Lemon Chicken is delicious... I love Lemon Chicken.
 
AE: What are your plans for the future?
KY: To go to college, #1, hopefully get into Physical Therapy/Athletic Training, work for a long time, and then 'maybe get married and have a family. But not for a longggg time,' she laughs.
 
AE: What do you want to do for a career?
KY: My goal is to be a Physical Therapist, have my own practice, then open up a gym inside. I wanted to do Personal Training in there too, but I don't know if I will have time so, I will just have to hire people to do it for me.
 
AE: What is the biggest goal you have accomplished that you are most proud of?
KY: Making the Varsity team all four years in high school, working my way up to being a team captain and then executing that role.
 
AE: What is your dream?
KY: I dream of playing with the Olympic Team.
 
AE: Who is one person you really admire and why? Who is your hero?
KY: My Mom. Even through the hardest times in our lives she's always supportive and she's always been there for us. She has always been there for me. She can always make me laugh and smile.
 
AE: Any advice you want to give to the younger Viper Volleyball girls?
KY: Start the recruiting process early. Don't procrastinate. Stay positive and stay true to yourself.
AE: What do you mean stay true to yourself?
KY: Don't let anyone tell you who you should be or what they want you to be.

 

Taylor Johnson (third from left) has already played in 4 tournaments this summer with her partner from last year, Mikela (in yellow). They are off to an even better start this year with some great finishes!

* Bronze Medal (3rd) at the AAU at Dockweiler
* 3rd place at the CBVA in Newport
* Gold Medal (1st) at the AAU in Malibu
* Gold Medal (1st) at the AAU in Huntington

That AAU tournament in Malibu where Taylor & Mikela got the gold qualified them for the Best of The Beach later this summer at Downtown Disney.  "Best of the Beach" is considered to be the "Junior Olympics" on the beach!
Good luck Tayor & Mikela!

Basics!
Brooklyn Richards, born 10/01/96 has a sister named Sierra - age 15, dad Craig and mom Kathi.  She has two pet Chihuahuas, Asti and Brie, a boxer named Beni, and a turtle named Shalanda.  
Brooklyn is in her 3rd year of playing volleyball.  She has played all 3 years at Viper. Her  first year she was 10 and played on a 12 and under local team, last year she played on the 12 elite team for Rochelle & Tommy.  Her team went to junior Olympics and won a bronze medal. She is currently playing on the 13elite team for Rochelle & Renee, which just qualified for the Junior Olympics again.

Brooke Excels!
Brooklyn is an all around great young lady.  She strives for the highest level in everything that she does.  She is a GATE student maintaining a 4.0 grade point average taking all advanced classes.  This year she was elected as 7th Grade president by her peers.  She is a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB).  She was selected to represent Warm Springs Middle School at the annual statewide leadership conference known as California Association of Student Leaders (aka: CASL) held March 26th-28th.  She was one of twelve 7th graders selected from all Murrieta Valley USD Middle Schools to receive an award from Murrieta Rotary Club granting a scholarship to attend the "PRYDE" leadership camp which will be held May 16th-17th, and she was elected Valentine Queen at the WSMS valentine dance

Favorites!
Food: Spaghetti
Music:  Saving Abel
Color: Turquoise and purple
Movie: The Notebook
Actor: Will Smith (he can act so many different ways!)
ZOO animal which would you choose and why? A spider money because the first time I saw one at the zoo I thought they were so cute and playful!
Who inspires you? Kassidy Brewer & my mom!  Kassidy had a brain aneurism and has almost completely recovered. She can talk and remember most things.  She still faces some physical challenges but she is so strong!!!

From the Coaches: Brooklyn has come a long way this year. She always comes to practice ready to learn and get better. Her laughter and cheer are contagious! Keep up the good work!

Basics!
Name: Ashley Pedersen
Team: Merijo & Tommy 12-1
Birthday: April 29, 1997 (almost 12)
Dad: John Pedersen, Viper Coach!
Mom: Emy Pedersen
Siblings: none
Dog: Pomeranian named Lacey

Volleyball History: I have played volleyball for a long time since my dad plays, coaches and refs. I'm always around the game! I have played club volleyball for three years. For the first year, I played at SoCal VBC at the age of 9. The second year, I played for SoCal again. And finally this year at Viper.

Who do you look up to: My dad inspires me because he tells me what I need to work on in volleyball so I can be a better player. And he trys his hardest to be  at my games.

Fun Facts: I dance at Oceanside Dance Academy. I am currently taking Lyrical, Jazz and Ballet. I've been there for 6 years. And I just started Lyrical. I was given a 5 Year Award just this year. I'm in Girl Scouts - troop 4321 and I've been in it for 5 years. In girl scouts I got my Bronze Award and I am currently working for the silver with my troop. I'm a cadet!

Favorites!
Food: Pizza
Music: Pop/Hip-hop
Movie: Marley & Me
Actress: Alyson Stoner
Zoo animal you want to be: White Tiger b/c their a top animal

From the Coaches: Ashley is a great addition to the Viper family. She brings a passion to the game and a winning attitude to the court. She has a great all-around game and is doing a terrific job on the 12-1s. For her first year in the Viper system she has picked things up quickly and has proven to be a great learner. We are proud to have you on our team! And your dad too!

Congratulations Kaila Thomas

Kaila Thomas, 6-1 OH, Calvary Murrieta (Murrieta CA) - One of the top sophomores in the country, Thomas has dominated the small school prep volleyball scene the past two seasons. In 2008, she led her team to a 23-4 record and a CIF-SS Div. IV title while averaging 3.7 kills and 1.1 blocks per game. Named Big Sky League MVP, First Team All Valley and Second Team All CIF-SS, Thomas has the ability to score at will and is also a strong passer and defender.

This past summer, Kaila Thomas played for the SCVA Youth Team and was able to travel all the way to Croatia to play against tough foreign competition like Pula and Slovenia (see friendly photo of team USA and team Slovenia to the right, Kaila is #10); who had players with professional experience and ranged from 18-21 years old. Against the toughest team in the tournament, Pula, Kaila's team lost all three matches but finally took a game from them in the 3rd match. This may sound like a small victory, but international teams play at such a high level that for a team of 15 and 16 year olds this is a tremendous accomplishment.

Dana Backlund was born January 11th 1994, and has been a viper player since she was 10 years old.  She quickly picked up the game of volleyball and was successful on our 12s teams for three years in a row.  She progressed on to be a successful part of our 14 Elite as well.  Early Viper coaches include Tommy Ortiz, Paul and Donna Amoy, and Steve Jones.  Now she is a member of Temecula 16 Elite Dana/Rochelle team.
 
All grown up to 14, Dana just started her freshman year in high school and she has already had many accomplishments.  She earned the starting setter position on her Varsity team at Murrieta Valley High School.  She was named to the 2nd team all-league.  She was a scholar athlete as well with a 3.8 GPA.  In her 8th grade junior high team she was named MVP as they finished League Champs.  Out door she has earned her singe A Women's Beach rating while only 14 years old!!
 
Dana's family who supports her in everyway includes (by age): father- Andy, mother- Greta, older brother- Erik, older sister- Inga, younger sister- Annika, younger brother Andrew, and twin younger brothers- Donald and Stanley. 
 
Dana loves Italian food but especially pasta and pizza (Americanized).  Her favorite movies include Sydney White, Mulan and Sky High.  Her favorite song/group includes Hawk Nelson, Chris Brown and Rhianna.  She loves the colors Red, Black and Blue (Go Viper!!!)
 
When Dana grows up she wants to be an Athletic Trainer and coach volleyball. 
 
In her spare time, while not playing indoor volleyball, Dana loves play the Piano, hang out with friends and listen to music.  Her other favorite sports are beach volleyball, basketball and soccer.