Los Amigos boys’ volleyball has visionary in new coach
The Los Amigos High boys’ volleyball team has had its share of rough seasons.
The Lobos have notched 10 wins in the last four-plus seasons. They have seen many moving parts, which go beyond the players that matriculate through the school.
Robert Le joins the Lobos in his first chance as a varsity head coach, and he is excited about the opportunity he has to make a difference in kids’ lives.
Every team needs to have its reasons to keep playing, and Le is turning the game into an education for a Lobos team that went 1-18 overall last spring.
Los Amigos is still searching for its first win this season.
Godinez swept host Los Amigos 25-12, 25-13, 25-11 in Friday’s nonleague match. It was Los Amigos’ fifth consecutive loss to the Grizzlies in the series.
Le has come over from Fountain Valley, where he coached the frosh-soph team for two years. He worked with club players there, but the goals have changed since coming to Los Amigos.
Beyond teaching the basics of volleyball, Le says it is his mission to prepare his kids for life after high school.
“What I learned is let’s teach them more than just volleyball itself,” Le said. “Next year, they’re going to be working. Next year, they’re going to go out in the world having jobs.
“If they’re not going to be the best volleyball player, be the best student-athlete.”
Los Amigos’ team is far from the traditional roster. The Lobos are not blessed with size, and few of the hitters are able to play above the net. Still, they play on, each moment together forming a bond as they play through the obstacles in front of them.
The Lobos gave up court position, providing limited net presence to busy the minds of Godinez’s hitters.
Los Amigos must be patient with each other. Every point won is a total team effort, coming only after the Lobos communicate and execute a defensive stand when the ball comes over.
After dropping to 0-3, outside hitter Ponlork Chhorn says his goal is to help his teammates improve during his senior year.
“We’re trying our best,” said Chhorn, who had a team-high four kills. “We’re going to motivate them. They’re going to be the next generation.
“I’m looking forward to having a great season with all the boys and to make them look up to me.”
Lobos setter Pablo Valdez set an example, hitting the floor often to extend points. He registered eight assists.
“[Chhorn], he’s a great student and a great friend,” Le said. “Same thing for my setter [Valdez]. They’re two great leaders in general. I’m really fortunate to have them on my squad.”
Andrew Nguyen, Freddy Ponce, Juan Higuera, and Tin Truong also had kills for the Lobos.
The Lobos’ last victory over the Grizzlies (1-0) came in 2011. Los Amigos has not taken a set off of Godinez since 2013.
Grizzlies junior setter Nathan Escobedo (19 assists, four service aces) says that his team is eyeing a chance to dethrone Laguna Beach before it leaves the Orange Coast League for the Sunset League next year.
Recognizing that the window is closing to beat the Breakers, Escobedo said it only adds to his team’s urgency to accomplish the goal.
“It definitely does put a lot more emphasis on it,” Escobedo said. “This year, we can come pretty close to taking league, if not take league. Definitely, one of our goals is to beat Laguna.
“I think we have the talent. It’s just a matter of putting in the work.”
Outside hitter Eli Nieto had a match-high 14 kills for Godinez. Luis Nieto added five kills. Larry Perea and Angel Zavala each had four kills.
Twitter: @ProfessorTurner
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