This year, the Northridge Academy High School Boys Varsity Volleyball team closed out their season with a record of 0–17. While the scoreboard didn’t flash any wins, the real victory was in the lessons learned and the bonds that were built.
For the team, this wasn’t a season of failure it was a season of growth, laughter, and resilience. Instead of letting losses break their spirit, the Pumas chose to focus on friendship. Whether it was late-night practice or game-day bonding, these moments meant more than any stat sheet. Senior Lucas Yong summed up the season best “You don’t need to win to enjoy something. It’s about who you’re with and the community you build.” While going winless could shake any team’s confidence, the Pumas stayed united through it all. “We never blamed each other,” said senior Jaron Maglinao “We stayed focused on improving and enjoying the game together.”
What did they take away from a winless season? A lot more than most people would expect. “Failing doesn’t mean I’m a failure,” said senior Andrew Menjivar “It just means I was brave enough to try something new.” He also shared how the sport helped him appreciate the game more even if he won’t pursue volleyball in college due to academic priorities.
To those continuing in the program, the seniors offer words of encouragement “Keep your head up. Play with heart. Don’t focus on the record focus on playing together and having fun,” said Jaron. Lucas added, “Find passion in the game. You’ll go further when you love what you’re doing.” The Pumas say farewell to a dedicated group of seniors who gave it their all Ethan Eleco, Jaron Maglinao, Andrew Menjivar, Sebastion Bana, and Jesus Anguiano-Vasquez. Their leadership, spirit, and determination will leave a lasting mark on NAHS Volleyball.
The 2024–2025 season may not have brought wins, but it built a foundation of teamwork, friendship, and pride that future players will carry forward. These Pumas proved that heart matters more than the scoreboard and in the end, that’s what makes a team unforgettable.
