Huskies volleyball players receive All-League honors in GSL
Othello's Ashley Garza gets ready to serve in the Huskies opening game of the season this spring at Othello High School.
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald
Othello senior libero Julissa Cantu is introduced with her teammates before their opening match this season at Othello High School.
A pair of Othello High School volleyball players was selected to the all-league team for the Greater Spokane League this spring.
Othello’s Ashley Garza was named to the Second Team All-League after being receiving honorable mention in the Central Washington Athletic Conference as a junior outside hitter. Senior libero Julissa Cantu received her first All-League honors with an honorable mention for the GSL.
Garza said making second team was a goal coming into the year, and added that she’s proud to be able to achieve the goals set for herself.
“I didn’t know it would be in the GSL, but I pushed myself and got second team, which was an accomplishment,” Garza said.
Garza said it was a little weird making weekly trips to Spokane and playing against teams she wasn’t familiar with. But she said it was a fun experience overall, even if they did come in as underdogs a lot.
With her final volleyball season wrapped up, Garza said she’s thankful to have been able to play alongside her teammates and build bonds that will last well beyond their time on the court.
“I’ve played with these girls since fourth grade and we’ve created such a strong bond and that’s what makes it fun,” Garza said. “No matter if we win or lose, we’re always family and we’re always going to be there for each other.”
Julissa Cantu said senior night was an emotional one, saying goodbye to her coaches and teammates that she’s been with since elementary school.
“Coach (Steve) Paris was actually my first coach, and he’s coached me in club ball for a very long time on and off,” Cantu said. “I’m just glad he stuck with us.”
Cantu said she wouldn’t be where she is today without her Othello head coach. Receiving her first award was “very, very rewarding,” she said.
She said she had mentally prepared not to get her senior season earlier this year, but is extremely grateful that she and her teammates had the opportunity to hit the court one last time.
Playing in a new league this season was nerve-wracking at first, but Cantu said she’s proud of her teammates for stepping up and leaving it all on the court.
