Senior Spotlight- Annika Puno

Annika Puno is a senior at Valencia High School and serves as a team captain for the Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Team. Recently, the team advanced to the CIF playoffs after defeating West Ranch and won the first round by defeating St. Bonaventure 3:1.

Q: Congratulations on making it to the playoffs! Could you summarize what that victory means, for anyone who might not know?

A: Well, in league, we only get to play against schools that are in our district, so we often compete against the same people. The playoffs are an opportunity to prove ourselves against different opponents, and if we are able to go really far in the playoffs, it'll kind of show the type of team we are outside of just our league. It's an opportunity for us to compete at a higher level. 

Q: What would it mean for you to win the championship?

High school is going to mark the end of my volleyball career as I won't be playing club next year, so it's really important to me that we make a really far run in playoffs because it'll be my last opportunity to put everything out there. I don't think Valencia has won a league championship in a really long time, so it would be really cool to have that championship win our senior year–especially because last year, we lost in the semifinals; we want to get revenge. 

Q: Do you feel as if you’ve accomplished everything you wanted to in terms of your volleyball career?

A: I would say yes. I've had the opportunity to meet lots of different people, compete at different levels, and play several different positions. I've literally played every position except for setter, and I've grown to love all of them. I've also had the opportunity to coach club volleyball, which has allowed me to see volleyball from a different perspective.

Q: Has coaching increased your love for volleyball?

A: For sure. I think seeing volleyball as a coach has allowed me to understand it from both perspectives, which makes me want to play the game even more.

Q: Do you feel like coaching has made you a more well-rounded person even outside of volleyball?

A: Definitely; the leadership you gain from being a coach versus being a captain or a player on a team is so different, but both are very important. I think those aspects are definitely going to follow me throughout my future.

Q: Do you feel comfortable passing off the torch to the younger players on your team after you graduate?

A: While it hurts my heart to pass the torch off–as it marks the end of my volleyball career–I definitely think our team is ready to take on next season without us. This season we spent a lot of time preparing them and working together to get them ready for their next season, and we definitely will still be there to support them along the way.

Q: Are you involved in any other extracurricular activities? What’s your role in them?

A: Yes; I am the Executive Vice President for ASB, and I've been a part of that for four years. I'm also the NHS President this year and the President of Filipino Culture Club, the Social Media Manager for The Pad Project at Valencia High School, the Chair of Assisteens for the Assistance League of Santa Clarita, and a volunteer at Real Life Church’s children's ministry.

Q: How have you been balancing all of these other responsibilities along with being a captain of the volleyball team? Has it been overwhelming for you?

A: I definitely think at times it's super overwhelming, but over the past four years of high school volleyball–and obviously club volleyball too–I've found a way to develop strong time management skills. Just weighing out my priorities at the time helps me decide what I need to get done first.