The Copper Mountain College women’s volleyball team is set to open their 2023 season on Wednesday as they host Imperial Valley College at 5:00 p.m. After a challenging 2022 season, this year's Fighting Cacti is looking to turn the corner and continue the rebuilding process. 

Head coach Tammy Rhodes enters her second season and is excited to see the team come together. “We’ve put in the work this offseason and after months of conditioning, we are ready to go,” states Rhodes. “The ladies are excited and we want to start with a strong effort and take a step forward to continue growing our young program.”

Sophomore Evalynn Large is expected to lead the team with her high energy and strong defensive presence. Another player to keep an eye on is freshman Brianna Etter out of Yucca Valley High School. Etter, a local defensive specialist, is expected to contribute immediately. 

Another local product, N’Taiya Youso, out of 29 Palms High School is a strong outside hitter and will lead both on and off the court. 

“You can feel a sense of excitement around campus for the first game tomorrow,” states newly named athletic director JJ Santa Cruz. “To watch all the work the athletes and coaching staff has put in is inspiring. They are building a new culture and this program is headed in the right direction.”

This first home game will also be the start of a new in-game pizza serve promotion, sponsored by Giant Rock Meeting Room.  A random fan will be chosen out of the crowd to get an opportunity to serve and win a free pizza.