Mesa Verde boys’ volleyball team ends year with ‘heads held high’

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Mesa Verde High School’s boys’ volleyball team made waves in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV this spring, earning recognition for a record-breaking season that’s putting the school on the athletic map.

Traditionally not known for athletic programs due to its Division IV status, Mesa Verde is changing that narrative with a powerful showing in both boys’ volleyball and baseball this year, according to boys’ volleyball coach Jessica Shoffner.

The boys’ volleyball team has an 8-2 regular season league record, ranking them in second place in the Sierra Delta League behind undefeated Vacaville Christian high school. Mesa Verde also secured a first-place trophy from the Stockton Classic tournament.

The boys’ volleyball program was established nine years ago, and has been led by Shoffner for the last seven years.

“We’re building something special here,” said Shoffner, who is among several alumni coaches, giving back to their school community, including Athletic Director and tennis coach Travis Miller Anthony O’Neal, who coaches Mesa Verde boys’ basketball, and Leonard Casillas, Mesa Verde’s varsity football head coach.

The Mustangs volleyball players are no strangers to postseason play, having qualified for the playoffs in 2019, 2022, 2023, and now 2025, skipping only the pandemic years when playoffs were not held. In their playoff run this season, the Mesa Verde boys’ volleyball team defeated El Dorado high school in the first round three sets to one on April 30 but lost to Livingston high school 0-3 in the quarterfinals held on May 2.

Despite the loss, Shoffner said the team is proud of the way they finished.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Shoffner. “This is more than just a good season—it’s a statement about who we are and where Mesa Verde athletics is headed.”

Shoffner added that the season has been historic with 10 wins in a row for the first time, and a first round playoff win for the first time.

Team leadership is strong, Shoffner said, with senior captains Eddie Montepeque and Mathew Garcia anchoring the squad. Both have been varsity starters since their freshman year and are multi-sport athletes: Montepeque competes in football, soccer, and volleyball, while Garcia plays football, basketball, and volleyball.

Junior captain Ben Lee leads not only on the court, but in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA, a distinction shared by nearly half of the team, Shoffner said.

The boys’ volleyball team has an overall record of 19-9 in the Sac-Juaquin Section Division IV, according to Max Preps, putting them in second place in the division behind Encina high school in Sacramento and just ahead of Natomas High.

“They’re ending the season with their heads held high, and are optimistic about next year,” Shoffner said.

*This article has been updated with the correct first name of coach Shoffner