Pride… This is the word that comes to mind when I consider Palo Alto HS Athletics. The stage for the presentation of the 2nd Annual MaxPreps Girls Volleyball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard was the rival basketball contest between Palo Alto (aka Paly High) and Gunn HS on January 11th. Palo Alto HS is located directly across the street from Stanford University, but the pride of the area was clearly focused on the #1 nationally ranked girls volleyball team. The Vikings are worthy of this honor after winning the Northern California State Championship 2 years in a row and going undefeated in 2011.
As the girls basketball game was coming to an end and the volleyball team, wearing their commemorative Army National Guard Tour of Champions t-shirts, prepared to enter the gym; I was surprised to realize that none of these amazing athletes play on the basketball team. These ladies are fully committed to volleyball year round. Coach David Winn has created a "family" atmosphere in his program and it is apparent that these girls know each other and get along so well. The gym was full of fans as the volleyball team took center court.
Principal Phil Winston greeted the crowd and got their full attention as he introduced Megan Loghry from MaxPreps. With great enthusiasm, Megan gave perspective to this great honor as she crowned Paly Vikings #1 out of 17,000 high schools! Then she turned the microphone over to Master Sergeant Nikkel and Sergeant Alonso from the California Army National Guard. Master Sergeant Nikkel and Sergeant Alonso were dressed in blue pants with that familiar gold stripe down the leg and a professional navy blue coat which displayed their rank. They addressed the team and the crowd explaining what it takes to be excellent in sports and in life. They congratulated the team and the community for representing themselves so well. After much applause from the crowd, Sergeant Alonso, the recruiter for the Palo Alto area, presented the "Minuteman" trophy and a Tour of Champions championship banner to be hung in the rafters of the gym.
Pride. Athletic Director Earl Hansen stood tall as he recalled just one year ago when the Tour of Champions crowned his football team with the same "Minuteman" trophy. Pride. As parents, students and teachers took photos with the No. 1 volleyball team standing next to the Army National Guard banners. Pride. As the volleyball team realizes what a great memory they have created for themselves and for the community.
It was an honor to be present for such a great event!
