FUHS girls volleyball athletes awarded CIF Hall of Champions honor

The 2020-2021 school year was an extremely stressful time for all students, including athletes who had their seasons pushed back or cancelled.

Savannah (Annie) Riley was not expecting to be able to compete in volleyball this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so she said she was pleasantly surprised when the Fallbrook High School girls volleyball team was able to play.

Although the girls volleyball season had been pushed back and cut short, Riley and varsity volleyball co-captain Ashlynn Craven were able to make the most of their playing time.

"I was surprised, I didn't think we would get to play this season," said Riley. "Even though the season was cut short, we all worked extremely hard and improved so much."

When the coaches announced that girls volleyball would be able to have a season, Craven said that she was excited to have the opportunity to play alongside the seniors before they graduate.

"We were so excited, we had been told that the season wouldn't be happening," said Craven. "It was a pretty big deal. We had to adjust to a few new rules, social distancing, wearing masks at all times, and we weren't allowed to huddle. But we turned it around and we were able to improve and have a good season."

After working hard and pushing themselves during practices and games, Riley and Craven were both honored with Breitbard certificates from the CIF Hall of Champions.

Breitbard certificates honor athletes in San Diego County who have gone above and beyond in their sports. Riley was awarded All League first team, and Craven was awarded All League second team.

At first, Craven didn't believe that she had won the award.

"I wasn't sure if it was a prank or not," she said. "I was really excited, and my friends and family were all very proud of me."

This accomplishment also came as a surprise to Riley, and she said she felt very honored to be recognized for her efforts.

"I really dedicated so much time to volleyball; I love playing," she said. "It's nice to be recognized for this achievement."

Riley has been playing school and club volleyball for five years, and she plans to continue playing volleyball through college while studying marine biology. Riley is also involved in many other sports, including water polo, pole vaulting, and competition diving.

Riley's mom, Andrea Bowles Riley, said she was very proud of her daughter for being able to persevere through the challenges of the year and dedicate so much time to improving her volleyball skills.

"Despite the challenges, she didn't let anything get her down," said Bowles Riley. "She focused on the things that mattered to her and she persevered. Everything happened for Savannah this year, and I'm so happy for her."

Riley said she is thankful for her mom and her coaches for always supporting her and pushing her to be the best she can be.

Craven has been playing volleyball for six years in school and at the SoCal Volleyball Club in San Marcos. She hopes to study communications and play volleyball in college. One of her other goals is to travel to third world countries and help the residents in any way that she can.

Craven said she is thankful for Coach Dale for being able to put the season together and for keeping the teams' spirits up. She said she is also thankful for her mom, the president of the Booster Club, for helping to make the season happen and supporting her and her dreams.