Groswirt, Bellodas Named Player, Libero of the Year

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After being crowned Western State Conference-North champions, the Santa Barbara City College Women's Volleyball team naturally took home plenty of individual awards, too. Stephanie Groswirt was announced as the conference's Player of the Year and Valeria Bellodas earned Libero of the Year.

Groswirt makes history as the first Player of the Year under head coach Kat Niksto, who took over in 2019. Splitting time as both a setter and opposite, she cracks the team's top three in just about every statistical category—kills (171), kills per set (2.14), hitting percentage (.298), assists (446, 5.58 per set), digs (233), block assists (30), and aces (34). If those numbers did not already prove her versatility, she has also appeared in all 24 of the Vaqueros matches this season.

"Steph transferred to SBCC back in January [from Cal State San Bernardino] and we couldn't be happier she did," Niksto said. "She is a phenomenal athlete, but above all cares deeply about her teammates and wants to be her best for them. Steph makes some of the most impossible sets look easy, and then will go up and just absolutely crush a ball attacking as well. Her versatility has been a huge asset to our team's success."

On top of that, Groswirt was also named to the All-Southern California Region Team on Tuesday.

Bellodas, the Libero of the Year, has been an elite volleyball player at every level she has competed at. Back at Granada Hills Charter High, she was a three-time West Valley League First Team selection and two-time City Section First Team selection. In her freshman year at SBCC, she broke the single-season aces record (62) and was named First Team All-Conference and to the All-Southern California Region Team. This season, she solidified herself as the conference's premier libero with 401 digs (4.77 per set) while playing in all 84 of the team's sets.

"Val continued her illustrious career at SBCC, continuing to rewrite the record books," Niksto added. "That being said, you wouldn't know it due to her humility and team-first personality.

"Both Steph and Val have been such a pleasure to coach. Extreme talent, with a team-first mentality."

Naturally, a few more Vaqueros made the All-Conference First Team. Pin hitters Bayley Padia and Kaylin Cooney rounded out the four.

The two sophomores are first and second on the team in kills, with Padia's 212 (2.94 per set) edging out Cooney's 175 (2.46 per set). Defensively, they each are top five on the team in total blocks (Cooney, 35 and Padia, 28). Vaquero fans may know Cooney from her days at San Marcos High—she is the only player on the team from Santa Barbara County.

"I've described Bayley as our team's glue. She does it all and holds everyone together," Niksto said. "And Kaylin is the show-stopper. She hits kills that blow everyone's minds."

Hazel Irving and Morgan Guardado were named to the Second Team.

Irving, a middle blocker, led the conference with a .416 hitting percentage and was fourth with 0.94 blocks per set. Her 61 total blocks (12 solo) are tied for the team lead. Guardado is part of the setter-opposite tandem with Groswirt that has proven so effective; she is undoubtedly one of the most important players on this championship team. Incredibly versatile, she, too, is top three in just about every category, including a team-leading 48 aces and counting.

"Hazel is our wall. Her shut down blocks fire the team up like no other," Niksto said. "Morgan is the team quarterback, engineering the offense while working with and feeding Steph."

Sarah Guzman and Isabella Lopez-Gonzalez received Honorable Mentions, leaving the Vaqueros with eight total All-Conference honorees.

Guzman played in every set but one in the regular season. She is tied with Irving in blocks with the aforementioned total of 61, with 11 solos. Her presence at the net contributed to only four matches—out of 24—where Vaquero opponents hit .200 or better as a team. Lopez-Gonzalez, a defensive specialist, has earned 129 digs in 70 sets played and has just eight reception errors despite being served at 205 times.

"Sarah has a sneaky wicked serve and works her butt off on the court every point," Niksto concluded. "Izzy is just solid, and has been all year long. Consistency can never be overrated."

Santa Barbara (20-4) has the week off and a first-round bye thanks to being awarded the No. 4 seed in the 3C2A Southern California playoffs. Next Tuesday, the 25th, they will host the winner of No. 13 Golden West (17-4) versus No. 20 Citrus (15-12).