Diablo Valley College fall sports begin this season with high spirits.

The Vikings water polo team welcomes Zach Roberts in his position as the new head coach. While coach Roberts has been apart of the Diablo Valley College aquatics staff for the past six seasons — alternating between the men’s and women’s team — he is confident taking on this new position and anticipating a successful season.

“This team, they laugh, they joke, they push each other in practice and work hard with each other and they perform academically.  You can’t really ask for more out of a team like this,” said Roberts in a recent interview.

Only one starter from last year is returning this season. Most of the athletes also play club sports, even though the team is relatively young, they are experienced in the sport.  

“You never know who’s going to show up on the pool deck,” said Roberts, “I think the chemistry of the team is a lot stronger than last year, as a result we should play a strong team game.”

The Vikings volleyball team is fired up for a brand new season. Returning for her 20th year as head coach is Jackie Ponciaco-Babb with high expectations for these athletes.  “We won almost every preseason game last year…we are just as good as we were last year,” said coach Ponciaco-Babb during closing remarks after practice.

The Vikings are returning six sophomores including key player Kaitlyn Rudolph and power hitter Jade Lee who was our 2015 Big 8 All Conference Team Honorable Mention. They’re also welcome in five freshman including power player Jasmine Assia, who’s a setter from Albany High School.

“We are a strong team, we just need to keep communicating, practicing hard, and doing what we need to do and we will come out strong,” said Assia. After placing fifth in their tournament at the end of last year, these Vikings according to Jade Lee, “…are ready to play stronger and keep fighting through to the end.”

As for this season’s predictions, both teams are eager to face Sierra College as this team has traditionally been a formidable opponent. We look forward to seeing the results of hard work, dedication and flare as these two teams embark on another season.