Front Row - Lisa Barreth, Tracy Andrew Olsen, Julie Gibbons, Cheryl Crews

Back Row – Coach Kermita Myers, Angel Johnson Cantrell, Machelle Elliott Baliton, Lisa Aguilar Davis, Robin Goodin, Denise Duncan Chesney, Cherie Shoemake

 1981 Valley Champion Volleyball Team​ 

The 1981-82 school year started out with a bang for the West High Vikings. Both the volleyball and football teams walked away with hard-earned Valley Championships. And, this was during the time when the Valley was won, it was won – there were no divisions as there are today.

But, an undefeated league and Valley championship year seemed improbable.  There were only five returning players from the year before. The tallest person on the team was only 5’9”. Most members were multisport athletes, with only one teammate moving on to play collegiate volleyball.

What made it work?  An amazing coach, Kermita Myers, and a team of young women who played with heart. There was a passion to win, to support one another in the fight and represent West High School. A desire to kick Highland’s butt helped as well!!

The Championship match was against Highland High ending with a 16-14 win in the third game in a best of three match.

The 1981 WHS volleyball team was one of the first to represent Kern County at the state volleyball tournament.

“Thank you to our coaches, teachers, administration, families and classmates who supported us. Densie Duncan Chesney and Cheryl Crews passed away several years ago. We know they are here in spirit.”