Page 13 - Priorities 2

What’s Up With Spring Sports?
Coaches comment:
“Girls soccer is going to be unbelievable. We had a 7 (win)-1(tie)-1(loss) record last year. This year we still have a young team and almost everyone returning. We are building the team experience we need to be tough competitors in the
PSAL next winter.
“It’s exhilarating that women’s soccer is just exploding at college level. These Priory players can be ready for it. For one thing,theschool hasthebestsoccer facilities on the Peninsula.” ‘Coachin’ Joe’ Montero (Priory Class of ‘76),
Girls Soccer Coach.
“Last year, the girls’ positive attitude and hardworkpaidoff.Their headcoach, Joe Montero, is a key reason why they did so well....” Chris Scott, Girls Soccer Coach
“We are seeing competent frosh soccer players moving up from the Middle School tournament program. This experi- ence is doing what it’s supposed to do for the players. (Athletic Director) Bill August is working to get more games.”
Joe Montero, Middle School Soccer Coach
“I think people will see us turn a corner thisyearintennis.Wehave returning players, strong new players, and I expect us to be a competitive challenger in a strong league. People who come out are going to see some exciting tennis.”
Chip Culleson, Tennis Coach
“I look for the boys volleyball team to continue to improve this year. With eleven returning players from last year’s team, we will have more than twice as much experi- ence as last year’s team. The Priory and the volleyball program will also be hosting our second annual Priory Volleyball Classic, March 22-23. All the players and coaches look forward to success in this season, only the third year of the volleyball pro- gram’s existence.” Chris Miller, Boys Volleyball Coach
Freshman Carlos Gonzales brings serious tennis experience to the Priory. A regular at the practice sessions with top-five ranked division players in the Northern California league, he will be playing in tour- naments all over the state this year as well as for the Priory team. At the 1994 Key Biscayne International Open, his first international tournament, Carlos’ strong showing upset many expectations. Carlos was the only American player to make the finals in the Key Biscayne, finally losing to Argentina’s number two player, who later won third place in the highly competitive Orange Bowl International.
Sports are a Gonzales family affair. Carlos’ mother, Stella, origi- nally taught him the game. She has played college tennis, volleyball, basketball and golf. She coached all the sports, including, this year, her twin daughters’ winning soccer team. Rafael, Carlos’ father, played football and baseball in college, coached college basketball and high school varsity sports, and worked with the Chicago Cubs during the last winter league. Carlos practices tennis 2-3 hours a day, 5-6 days a week.
“Short term, I’m looking forward to playing on the Priory team and I just want to play well. Long term, for myself, I hope to place in the top five in the Northern California League 16 to 18 year old division,” he said.
C. Dobervich
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