Huntington Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Takes the Court

The Huntington High School girls’ volleyball program has a new varsity head coach in Jake Torres and more interest in the sport than ever. The 15-player strong Blue Devil team is ready for action with hopes running high for success.

Torres has been hired to teach physical education at the high school. He takes over as head coach from Todd Donaghy, who retired last spring after a great run, including consecutive playoff appearances.

Torres enjoyed a spectacular playing career at Smithtown West before coaching at Harborfields. He has a multi-year plan to develop the Huntington program. The new coach ran a series of pre-season intramurals that drew dozens of players. Tryouts attracted 40 players to the high school gym.

“My goal this season is to create a competitive and supportive culture,” Torres said. “A culture of encouraging each other to reach high goals. A culture that emphasizes learning from mistakes. A culture where its coaches/athletes value their response to what is happening in front of them. A culture that is always lifting each other up on and off the court.”

The new head coach, who is assisted by JV coach and fellow high school physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn, is excited about the players chosen to wear varsity uniforms. The group includes seniors Emily Barba, Kymora Dorvilus and Mia Miller; juniors Jocelyn Thorbourne, Amelia Carino, Khi Casey, Maddy Falk, Manpreet Kaur, Dakota Respass, Melanie Rodriguez and Ana Vlahos and sophomores Gabby Jones, Olivia Koiyet, Mackenzie McKay and Karina Rodriguez.

Ten of the 15 varsity players are returning from last year’s team. Torres is excited about the leadership abilities of the veteran group.

“The Huntington girls’ varsity volleyball team is seeking improvement on and off the court this season,” Torres said. “The program’s mission this season is not just to improve as individuals, but to grow together to lead to a successful season. Our goals is to be G.R.E.A.T - Growth, Respect, Effort, Attitude, Together. The girls sat down and created this mantra at their first practice. We will be emphasizing these five things this season.”

Huntington will play in Class AAA with League II schools Ward Melville, Connetquot, Commack, North Babylon, Lindenhurst, Newfield, Copiague and Northport.

The program has made the Section XI playoffs the past two seasons. The current team is looking to continue and build upon that tradition.

Torres is excited to work with this group of athletes. “We have a great mix of returning and new players to the team,” the coach said. “Every day we are in the gym is an opportunity for everybody to improve, including myself. Focusing on the small wins and paying attention to detail in all aspects of the game.”

In honor of Breast Cancer Month, Huntington will play a Dig Pink game on October 8 at 5 p.m. “A Dig Pink volleyball game is a special event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support,” Torres explained.

Senior Night is set for October 17 at 5:30 p.m.