Posted in Volleyball, tagged Erica McColl, Kennedy O'Neill, storm, Taylor Brotemarkle, volleyball on March 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »
The court is theirs. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
They’re the spiker stars of tomorrow, already earning praise for their play today.
The young women seen in the photos above and below are currently putting in time as club volleyball players, which should greatly benefit them when they hit the court in high school.
Bright present, bright future.
Posted in Middle School, Volleyball, tagged Brazil, CMS Wolves, Cris Matochi, resignation, volleyball on January 25, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Cris Matochi is ready for his close-up. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
This one stings.
Cris Matochi, the dynamic leader of Coupeville Middle School volleyball, has tendered his resignation.
The Brazilian-born coach, who has greatly energized the program since his hire in 2021, will officially depart his post after the school board approves the change at its meeting this coming Thursday, Jan. 30.
Matochi, who is married to CHS volleyball coach Cory Whitmore, lights up the gym with his love of the game and of life.
A high-caliber player in his home country, he balanced coaching at CMS with work as an Environmental Health Specialist for the Island County Health Department.
His pre-Coupeville coaching career included stints at various colleges, and work with high-level volleyball academies and national travel teams.
But while he was likely very over-qualified for his current gig, Matochi never let his past success get in the way of connecting with his current small-town proteges.
He preached love of the game, and a commitment to hard work, while working with fellow coaches such as Raven Vick and Kristina Hooks and got the most out of his players.
Among the most enthusiastic of sideline mentors, he will be greatly missed.
Posted in Volleyball, tagged CHS Wolves, Cory Whitmore, Cris Matochi, elopement, marriage, Valen Trujillo, volleyball on January 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Valen (Trujillo) Printz joins Coupeville volleyball coaches Cory Whitmore (left) and Cris Matochi on their wedding day.
“The day was so special.”
When Coupeville volleyball gurus Cory Whitmore and Cris Matochi eloped last summer, the intimate affair included one of their former players.
Valen (Trujillo) Printz, who starred on the court for the Wolves from her libero position, is now dazzling folks as a photographer, and she and husband Hunter joined the Wolf coaches for their romantic getaway.
“The location was amazing, the weather was incredible, we were surrounded by our closest family and friends doing exactly what we enjoy doing,” Whitmore said.
“But it was made that much more special to have Valen there as a part of our big day!”
From chasing down wayward volleyballs to documenting her coach’s wedding day, the former Wolf ace has been indispensable.
“Valen and Hunter are so wildly talented and a blast to be around,” Whitmore said.
“I really love being able to say that we had our wedding photos taken by a former player of mine!
“She not only captured the moment in photographs but I’m telling you, she captured the feeling of being there.
“I am so very proud of her, finding a passion to make into a career, and she is damn good at what she does.”
To see more of Valen’s work, pop over to:
Posted in Volleyball, tagged CHS Wolves, letter of intent, Lyla Stuurmans, Skagit Valley College, volleyball on December 21, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Lyla Stuurmans takes the next step in her volleyball journey. (Cris Matochi photos)
Add another one to the list.
Lyla Stuurmans became the second member of the Coupeville High School Class of 2025 to sign a letter of intent to play college sports, inking her contract Friday to be a volleyball spiker at Skagit Valley College.
She joins Madison McMillan, who previously signed to play softball at Edmonds College.
Stuurmans, one of the best athletes, and best human beings, to come through Cow Town in recent years, is a standout three-sport star.
She’s the first girl in CHS history to play five seasons of varsity basketball and is a phenom in the world of track and field.
But volleyball is calling to her, and she has answered.
Stuurmans was the Northwest 2B/1B League MVP as a senior and was just tabbed as a Second-Team All-State player for her heroics.
The oldest of Scott and Sarah’s four children, Lyla racked up 200 kills, 22 solo blocks, 19 block assists, 113 digs, 30 service aces, and 16 assists during her final season in the red and black.
Coupeville (18-2) was undefeated until the final day of the season, won league and bi-district titles, and earned a program-best 4th place finish at the state tourney.
Posted in Volleyball, tagged All-State, CHS Wolves, Lyla Stuurmans, Skagit Valley College, volleyball on December 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »
Lyla Stuurmans (left) hangs out with CHS coach Scout Smith and lil’ sis Tenley. (Sarah Stuurmans photo)
Another honor for the hardest-hitting volleyball spiker in Cow Town.
Coupeville High School senior Lyla Stuurmans, who was the Northwest 2B/1B League MVP this year, was tabbed as an All-State selection this week by the Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association.
The outside hitter was named to the 2B Second Team, joining players from schools such as Freeman, Adna, and Lind-Ritzville-Sprague.
Stella Petersen, an outside hitter who led Manson to a state title, was picked as the 2B player of the year.
“Not on my watch, lady!!” (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Stuurmans racked up 200 kills, 22 solo blocks, 19 block assists, 113 digs, 30 service aces, and 16 assists during her final season in the red and black.
Coupeville (18-2) was undefeated until the final day of the season, won league and bi-district titles, and earned a program-best 4th place finish at the state tourney.
On the heels of being named to the All-State team, Stuurmans will sign a letter of intent to play volleyball for Skagit Valley College.
That is slated to happen Friday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 PM in the CHS gym foyer.
Good times behind, good times ahead. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
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