WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – After finishing the 2024 season with an overall record of 14-15 and as the third-place team in the Mid-Valley League, the Yellowjackets endured a confusing offseason, which resulted in an unexpected coaching change and a period of uncertainty.
Championship in 2025.
However, as Williams takes to the court in its home opener against Durham on Aug. 19, it appears to have put the past behind and is set to embark on a season in which they could be a factor in both the MVL and the Northern Section CIF Division IV playoff pictures.
New head coach Steffany Ritchie takes the reins of a squad that is relatively young, but also has a significant amount of experience and athleticism.
“What I like and appreciate about this team is their ability and willingness to try new things and implement changes. We are drawing on their past experiences and incorporating my knowledge with what they already have a as team,” Ritchie said. There’s a learning curve to be sure, but one we are all willing to traverse as we strive to make the Lady ‘Jackets a force to be reckoned with.”
For her part, Ritchie, a teacher at Williams High School has previously coached with the United club team in Yuba City as well as the JV team at Faith Christian High School, but takes over a varsity program for the first time.
However, Ritchie has inherited a team that has the pieces necessary to compete, starting in the middle with senior Lupita Zuniga, who last year posted totals of 183 kills and 64 blocks then for good measure served 64 aces.
Fellow senior Estefany Carabeo, who a season ago contributed 27 kills, 16 blocks, 17 aces and 123 digs, will also play middle and serve as a back-up setter.
Williams has another power arm on the outside in junior Yurydia Rocha, who can easily play all the way around given that she recorded 188 kills, 163 digs and 29 aces in 2024.
At opposite, senior Caitlyn Ruiz who finished last year with 81 kills, 14 blocks and 139 digs will be counted on to help out on the attack as well.
Setter Ariana Paiz returns for her junior season to orchestrate the offense having dished out 407 assists, leading the team in aces with 69 and making 252 digs.
Rounding out the group of returners are junior defensive specialists Daisy Ruiz and Andrea Velazquez.
As the ‘Jackets’ libero last season, Ruiz made 298 digs, while Velazquez logged 101.
New to the varsity team this year is senior Fernanda Avila, an athletic front row player along with juniors Stephanie Gonzalez and Yelenny Ortiz, who will work out of the back row.
Although the Yellowjackets have to contend with the likes of Quincy, Hamilton City and Maxwell in the MVL, Ritchie is enthusiastic about her squad’s potential saying, “I’m looking forward to seeing the growth of our players individually and making the community of Williams proud.”
The ‘Jackets open the 2025 preseason on Aug. 19 when they entertain Durham at home, followed by a game on Aug. 21 in Live Oak and a trip to Los Molinos for the Beth Pilger Tournament on Aug. 22 and 23.