Estancia poised to rekindle team tradition

Barry Faulkner

The players aren’t old enough to have experienced the proud history

of the Estancia High boys volleyball program, which won a mythical

national championship in 1979.

But, third-year coach Tracey Heims, a former Estancia girls

volleyball standout, said she has frequently fielded well wishes,

this spring, from veteran members of the volleyball community, who

acknowledge the Eagles’ return to prominence with nostalgic delight.

“Some referees have told me it’s nice to see Estancia back on the

map,” said Heims, whose Eagles (10-2, 4-0 in league after a

commanding sweep of crosstown rival Costa Mesa Friday) are hoping to

navigate their way to the summit of the Golden West League.

A shift out of the Pacific Coast League, dominated in recent years

by Northwood and Corona del Mar and for nearly a decade before that

by Laguna Beach, is a welcome relief to Estancia. But, Heims

believes, an experienced cast of returners is proving talented enough

to contend with even the most esteemed former PCL brethren.

The Eagles finished fifth in Division II at last week’s Orange

County Championships and are anticipating their first meeting with

defending Golden West League champion Ocean View, scheduled April 8

at Estancia. The Eagles and Seahawks, ranked No. 1 in CIF Division

III, will also collide in the regular-season finale May 8 at Ocean

View.

Just making the CIF Playoffs, however, would mean Estancia’s first

postseason since 1994. The Eagles finished 4-13 last season,

including an 0-10 PCL mark.

But growing pains absorbed last season proved valuable lessons for

a lineup led by 6-foot-4 junior opposite Josh Kornegay. A first-team

All-PCL performer as a sophomore middle blocker, Kornegay is one of

seven Estancia players who have benefited from club competition.

“He’s so skilled,” Heims said of her returning captain. “He can

set and hit and he passes every ball.”

Sophomore setter Trevor Holmes is another with club seasoning and

has progressed greatly from his freshman season.

Kris Hartwell, a 6-2 junior outside hitter, uses strong jumping

ability and an aggressive swing to provide another hitting force,

Heims said.

“I think he has some pent-up anger, because he really hits through

the ball,” Heims said.

Brad Larsen, a 6-1 junior outside hitter, is the team’s most

consistent player, according to Heims, who cites defense and work

ethic among his many attributes.

Scott Sankey, a lanky 6-5 junior recruited from the basketball

team, adds a towering net presence.

“He can hit over the block,” Heims said.

Dallas Kopp, a 6-4 freshman, is another middle blocker with

extreme promise, Heims believes.

Senior Carlos Diaz is a strong back-row player, while Jess

Hellmich, another senior, is back on the court after competing last

spring for the swim team.

Taylor Hankins is a junior returner and sophomore Jordan Stoddard

is also expected to contribute, though he may spend some time with

the junior varsity, Heims said.