The Point Loma High School volleyball department has seen major accomplishments and improvements this season thanks to new pro volleyball player and coach, Said Souikane, who was brought in to head the girls’ volleyball teams in July. Souikane is now the head coach for the freshmen and varsity teams, alongside his junior varsity coach recruit, Steven Wesley, a UC San Diego grad and varsity player with more than 10 years playing pro and coaching club volleyball. In addition to Souikane and Wesley, assistant coaches include Emily Rubalcava and Daniela Kervo work with the varsity program – all experienced travel volleyball club coaches.
A native of Morocco, Souikane played on his home country’s national team and participated in the African Volleyball Championships in 1990-1993, where he helped to win bronze and silver medals for his country. Souikane continued to play competitively in tournaments around the world including Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Switzerland. In 2007, he officially became a member of the World Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Federation. Souikane brings more than 15 years of coaching experience with him spanning from high school, college, club, and professional.
“I have trained and coached all over the world, but I am very excited to be at Point Loma High. We will be growing the teams, building on game strategy, and prepping the girls for college-level competition,” said Souikane. Currently, senior Maggie Wolf is committed to play at Point Loma Nazarene University the following year and plans to study kinesiology.
Souikane has brought a lifetime of experience and strategy to all the PLHS volleyball teams, which has been evident in their season’s victories. Since Souikane has been with the PLHS volleyball, the varsity team won second place in Division II of the Southern California Fall Tournament on Oct. 12-13. Seniors Abbey Tadder and Katherine Jacobsen received all-tournament recognition.
The junior varsity finished the season with three losses and scored a first-place finish in the Wolverine Classic. JV players Sophia Meyer and Chase Meyers achieved all-tournament recognition at the Wolverine Classic.
Souikane also credits the season’s successes to the PLHS administration, parents and community for support on and off the court. Souikane looks forward to the spring season to take the experiences and lessons learned during the fall and continue to build the PLHS volleyball program.
For more information, team rosters and full season game schedule, visit plhsfightingpointers.com.