The Glendale High School girls’ volleyball team is gearing up for a new season following their victorious campaign in 2023, where they won both the CIF Southern Section Division 6 title and the CIF State Division 4 championship. The team, led by star setter Aleina Manaois and head coach Marji Keyfauver, aims to build on last year’s achievements as they begin their title defense against Eagle Rock High School on Monday.
Under the leadership of fourth-year coach Marji Keyfauver, the Nitros had a breakthrough season in 2023 after years of challenges in the Pacific League. They showed remarkable performance in league play and had a dominant playoff run, despite a slow start to the season. The turning point came after a loss to Crescenta Valley High, a local rival.
“We had a heart-to-heart team meeting afterward and looked at the ways we all could improve, and everything clicked after that,” said Keyfauver.
Following that pivotal moment, the Nitros went undefeated for the remainder of the season, achieving a 33-0 run and finishing with a 40-6 record. Remarkably, none of their playoff matches extended to five sets, and their consecutive section and state victories made them the only public school girls’ volleyball team to secure championships in any of the CIF’s six divisions in 2023.
Coach Keyfauver credits the team’s success to the strong chemistry developed over the past three years. By 2023, her third year as head coach, Keyfauver had fully integrated her system, and her players were executing it at a high level. Aleina Manaois, who joined the varsity team as a freshman, emerged as a key player in her junior year, becoming a dominant force with much of the offense centered around her.
Looking ahead to her fourth season, Keyfauver has focused on enhancing the team’s offensive strategy. “A preseason priority for our team has been to work on diversifying our offense,” Keyfauver explained. “We have focused on attacking along the entire net with various tempos, as well as incorporating an effective backrow attack. Our primary offensive goals for the upcoming season are to keep our opponents off balance, create good matchups, and balance our offense.”
To prepare for the upcoming season, the team held three-hour practices throughout the summer and participated in a training camp at USC. The Nitros are determined to maintain their competitive edge in the Pacific League, which remains highly competitive. Last season, Glendale finished third in the league behind rivals Crescenta Valley and Arcadia, both of whom will be significant contenders again this year. Glendale split the season series with reigning league champion Arcadia and lost both matches to Crescenta Valley.
Adding to the challenge this season, the playoffs will feature a new format for determining division placement near the end of the regular season. The Nitros are hopeful that they can find the same momentum that led to their impressive 33-game win streak last year to navigate the new playoff structure successfully.
Regardless of whether they replicate last year’s achievements, the Nitros have established a strong winning culture. Coach Keyfauver, who also leads the boys’ volleyball team, has successfully recruited alumni to assist with coaching. With the resilience, teamwork, and strong chemistry she has fostered, Keyfauver remains confident that the Nitro volleyball program has a bright future ahead.
