If you have had the opportunity to watch this Las Cruces High School volleyball team compete this season, commit those moments to memory. They are likely to be some of the most joyous moments you will have the blessing to witness.
Before the championship match against the La Cueva Bears, the Las Cruces Bulldawgs huddled at the endline. The Village People’s anthem, “YMCA”, blared over the public address. The Bulldawgs were squarely in the moment. To a player, the team sang the words and signaled each letter in unison with the music and each other. Even the mascot, younger sister to one of the players, shared the moment of pure joy prior to first service.
Other teams might have felt the gravity of the match that faced them, but not this Bulldawgs team. There was no doubt, no stress, no anxiety on any face in the huddle. As last year’s champion, it was clear how Coach Leupold had instilled in his team the preeminent ingredient in championship high school volleyball–pure fun.
When the match finally began, the Bulldawgs rolled to a commanding lead in the first set. Even with the lead, each lost point was met with encouragement hurled onto the court by parents crowded into the Rio Rancho Event Center. “It’s okay!” one parent shouted after a side out returned the serve to the Bears. The parental support of this Bulldawg team is unlike anything I have ever seen. It was as if these parents took upon themselves all the anxiety, shielding their daughters from the stress of this championship moment. The parents may have had their moments of doubt, but the players never showed a sign of anything short of being their best–both personally and as at team.
Coach Leupold alluded to this aspect of his team earlier this season when he spoke with uncharacteristic confidence to Las Cruces Digest. “We’re pretty good.” That was all he said, but how he said it spoke volumes. In his eyes at the time was the same spark visible in each player’s expression during the championship match. What a blessing to behold.
In the end, the 2024 championship match was a master clinic in how a well-coached team can accomplish all of the little goals along the way to step into the confidently into the final arena, knowing how hard work over the course of of an entire season stands as a simple precursor to enabling one of life’s most joyous experiences. Winning or losing was never a consideration. The Bulldawgs won the final match in straight sets, 3-0.
To be clear, the La Cueva Bears, played stronger than a 3-set sweep would otherwise indicate. After progressing past MaxPreps top-ranked Cleveland and a tough Los Lunas squad (both in 3-1 fashion), the Bears were perfect in championship play entering the championship match.
Elsewhere, in Rio Rancho…
Recognition needs to be given to the outstanding play of the Mesilla Valley Christian SonBlazers, who emerged from the Loser bracket for a championship game rematch against eventual champion, Texico.
Thank you, Ladies.
Las Cruces Digest would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all of the local student athletes participating in this year’s championship tournament. Your joy, work ethic and dedication is contagious. Thank you for sharing your journey with our broader community. We are all better for it.
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