Eyleen Sanchez
Volleyball libero/defensive specialist Eyleen Sanchez (senior) achieved a team-high 29 digs, along with six assists and three service aces at the homecoming game against Redlands Oct. 3, helping Occidental secure a 3-2 victory.
Sanchez said the family members of the players brought tremendous energy, which contributed to the team’s impressive performance at the homecoming game.
“You could really hear the crowd cheering [and] joining the bench’s cheers,” Sanchez said. “I think having them there — people that genuinely care about us — really pushed us over the edge to secure that win.”
Sanchez said despite being an experienced volleyball player she still deals with pre-game nerves, but her teammates have taught her ways to ground herself.
“Sometimes before matches I still get a little nervous,” Sanchez said. “One thing my teammate Katelyn told me [is], ‘Whenever you get nervous or you get excited it’s kind of the same feeling,’ so [I turn] those nerves into excitement.”
According to opposite hitter Katelyn Cajigas (senior), Sanchez brings a contagious positivity to the team.
“[Sanchez] is just super energetic and someone who is always fun to be around,” Cajigas said. “I think the rest of the team would say that, too […] She loves to joke around with people and bring people up when they’re feeling down.”
Volleyball head coach Emily Foster said Sanchez’s enthusiasm for the sport boosts the morale of the whole team.
“[Sanchez] is an uplifter,” Foster said. “She’s a little bit spicier of a competitor than a lot of people on her team, and that’s what we need […] She makes [the team] feel belief when they need it.”
Foster said Sanchez’s strong intrapersonal skills allowed her to assimilate easily as a transfer athlete in her junior year.
“[Sanchez] fit right in,” Foster said. “I often have hesitation recruiting transfers, but she was so outgoing, passionate and determined that [the transition] was smooth.”
According to Cajigas, Sanchez quickly found a sense of belonging on the team.
“[Sanchez] was the right fit for her position just because of how good of a leader she is on the court and how well she works with anyone on the team,” Cajigas said. “She’s also very good at organizing people on the team and, on and off the court, bringing the energy.”
Sanchez said the cohesiveness of the volleyball team is unmatched, and her teammates are the reason she chose to stay at Occidental.
“I think we have the best team culture out of all the teams in the SCIAC,” Sanchez said. “Just being a part of a super competitive, fun group of girls who are always trying to push each other — you can’t beat it […] I wanted to stay here because of the girls on the team.”
Atticus Wahab-Holles
Men’s water polo utility player Atticus Wahab-Holles (junior) scored three goals, made three field blocks and secured a steal in Occidental’s 16-11 win against Cuesta at the homecoming game Oct. 3.
Wahab-Holles said he was happy to have his parents watching the game, and it pushed him to perform his best.
“It’s always cool [to see them], since my parents live in Oregon,” Wahab-Holles said. “When they can come watch me, it’s extra pressure, but in a good way.”
According to men’s water polo head coach Lindsey Garcia, Wahab-Holles has always been a top performer on the team and is a deeply motivated athlete.
“[Wahab-Holles] is definitely someone who gets [out] what they put in,” Garcia said. “He works really hard, and he gets a lot out of it. My expectations for him are high, and he continues to meet and exceed them all the time, which is exciting.”
Utility player Noah Emmitt (junior) said Wahab-Holles demonstrates genuine passion for the sport of water polo, which is reflected in his preparation.
“He really loves water polo,” Emmitt said. “He loves the team, and he loves the sport. He’s always ready to play. He comes to practice [and] games ready to go, and he brings a lot of intensity.”
Wahab-Holles said he has always played water polo for fun rather than obligation.
“I really enjoy playing, and it’s something I look forward to every day,” Wahab-Holles said. “It doesn’t feel like it’s a chore to go to practice or play games. It makes it easy to have a good balance.”
According to Garcia, Wahab-Holles’ tireless dedication invigorates the rest of the team.
“He’s always willing to work really hard, so he pushes everyone around him,” Garcia said.
Wahab-Holles said his immense motivation stems from his devotion to his fellow water polo athletes.
“It comes down to playing for my teammates,” Wahab-Holles said. “I really care about the team, so it makes it easy to stay focused and stay competitive.”
Emmitt said Wahab-Holles’s strong willpower sets him apart from the team.
“[Wahab-Holles] wants it more than everyone else,” Emmitt said. “He just really cares. I think that’s his defining feature.”
Contact Ashley Koontz at akoontz@oxy.edu
