Savannah Large, Middle Blocker; Evalynn Large, Outside Hitter; Paige VanHulten, Setter; Imia Nicholls, Middle Blocker; Tammy Rhodes, Head Coach; Kaitlyn Juan, Defensive Specialist; Keonnie Ward, Defensive Specialist; N’Taiya Youso, Outside Hitter/Setter; Rynisha Bronson, Opposite Hitter.
Not pictured: Camille Talavera, Defensive Specialist; Annika Oden, Outside Hitter; Iyanna Capler, Outside Hitter; Robey Talkalai, Outside Hitter.
This Wednesday, September 28, the women of the Fighting Cacti volleyball team will play their season home opener against College of the Desert Roadrunners in the Bell Center at Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree. The Fighting Cacti are looking for their first win of the season after having two matches postponed and losing to Saddleback and Rio Hondo earlier this month.
Wednesday’s opener will be followed on Friday, September 30, with another home game against Victor Valley. Both home games begin at 5 p.m. Admission is free and the snack bar will be open.
CMC’s Women’s Volleyball program began in the 2021-2022 season, which was cut short due to COVID-related difficulties. Head Coach Tammy Rhodes has more than 25 years of successful experience coaching volleyball at the high school and club levels. She began her coaching career at Barstow High School and built her own volleyball club program that competed in the Southern California Volleyball Association. She later served as Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Yucca Valley High School, prior to the pandemic.
“Our athletic program is committed in providing an opportunity for student-athletes to utilize their athletic talents towards accomplishing their degree while also providing quality experiences that enhance the student-athletes’ goals both on and off the court of play,” noted CMC Athletic Director Walter Parham. “In just five short years of athletics we have a lot to be proud of! We have had multiple winning seasons. We have created opportunities to aid the Morongo Basin student athletes to continue their career beyond high school. However, our greatest accomplishment is our student-athletes that have moved on to completing their Bachelor degree at the four-year college/university level as well as those that have also continued playing their sport beyond their time with us.”
“Our 2022-23 volleyball team represents some of the most talented players from the region, and we are thrilled that they have chosen to play and attend school at Copper Mountain College,” said CMC President Daren Otten. “CMC Athletics exists because of the Copper Mountain College Foundation and the generous support of charter members, boosters, and our community. If you have not already pledged to support the CMC Foundation or boosters, please consider doing so. Bump, Set, SPIKE! Go Fighting Cacti!”
Anyone interested in supporting the athletics programs at Copper Mountain College is welcome to join the CMC Athletic Booster Club. The Boosters invite volunteers and members from all areas of campus and the community, students, parents and alumni to support the programs. To join the Booster Club or learn more, inquire at home games, or contact CMC Foundation at 760-366-3791 ext. 4200.
CMC’s mission is to provide educational opportunities for diverse desert communities and beyond through a comprehensive curriculum and support services that demonstrate a passion for the success of every individual student. Copper Mountain College offers high quality, affordable instruction that enables students to attain mastery in basic skills and career development, and build pathways to associate degrees, certificates, university transfer, and personal enrichment.
To learn more about CMC’s Fighting Cacti, visit www.fightingcacti.com. For general information about Copper Mountain College, visit our website at www.cmccd.edu.
2022 Fighting Cacti Women’s Volleyball Home Game Schedule
Date Opponent Site Time
Wed. Sept. 28 Desert Bell Center 5 PM
Fri. Sept. 30 Victor Valley Bell Center 5 PM
Wed. Oct. 12 Chaffey Bell Center 5 PM
Fri. Oct. 14 Mt. San Jacinto Bell Center 5 PM
Fri. Oct. 28 Cerro Coso Bell Center 5 PM
Wed. Nov. 2 San Bernardino Valley Bell Center 5 PM