2010-2011 Team

The prognosis for the 2010 volleyball season is a bad news/good news scenario. The bad news : the overall record since inception of the program in 2004 is 66-164; and the program’s  Western Junior College Athletic Conference record sits at 4-44during that same span.  The good news: Coach Sheldon Carvalho has taken the reins of the Lady Westerners program…..with nowhere to go but up.

With coaching roots in one of the nation’s most successful volleyball programs, BYU Hawaii (12 national championships), the energetic volleyball aficionado looks to inject a new level of commitment into the Western Texas College program. “The first priority has been to change the intensity and attitude of the program and create a competitive culture on the team,” according to Carvalho.  

WTC returns five players from last year’s squad that finished 9-28 overall, and 1-7 in conference play. Returners include outside hitter Kiley Beard (Cleburned,TX), right side Savanna Braziel (Iowa Park, TX), setter Amy Moore (Sprintgtown, TX), libero Stephanie Futch (Granbury, TX), and outside hitter Whitney Olness (San Angelo, TX). Braziel was named to the All-Region 5 volleyball team, in addition to being named honorable mention in the WJCAC. Gone from the team is Shelby Fallahay (All-Region 5 selection) who transferred to Brookhaven College following her freshman campaign at WTC last season. “We will look to capitalize on the experience and leadership of our returners this coming season,” assessed Carvalho, “they will be a key component as we re-structure the program.”

Newcomer Aubrey  Muaina (Highland, UT) will also lend experience to the squad as an outside hitter. Muaina is a transfer from Southern Virginia University (NAIA) where she was a starter, and one of the top players on the team. “Aubrey comes from a winning background,” notes Carvalho, “her Lone Peak High School (Utah) team won back to back 5-A state championships.  Muaina comes from a volleyball family; older sister, Ashley Muaina the assistant coach for the Lady Westerners played volleyball at NCAA Division I Nichols State, and father, Mike Muaina played interscholastic volleyball in California.

Carvalho also expects newcomer Peyton Evans(Riverton, UT) to contribute as a setter. “Peyton, who also competed in lacrosse, brings athleticism and mental toughness to the program,” noted the WTC skipper.

Tapping into the local talent, Carvalho looks for help from outside hitter Amanda Ochoa. Earning all-district honors during her junior and senior campaigns, Ochoa prepped at Snyder High School under the tutelage of Coach Harold Davis. In addition to Ochoa, Autumn Castillo, a scrappy libero/setter from Snyder High School will work to earn playing time for the Lady Westerners.

Other newcomers that will bring some height to the program include Shelbey Harrison (Conroe, TX) at 6’0”, Gabriella Feliciano (Draper, UT) at 6’0”, Valeria Quiroz (Dimmitt, TX) at 5’11”, and Morgan Brown (Cleburne, TX) at 5’10”. Looking to  compete for the libero/setter positions are freshmen Brittney Mojica (San Antonio, TX) and Cherish Tua (Lehi, UT).

The Lady Westerners look to be on the road to Roswell, New Mexico for NJCAA regional play at the conclusion of the regular season. New Mexico Military Institute hosts the regional tournament November 4th-6th, with the winner advancing to the national championships

Last Modified: May 18, 2011