For the past 30 years, the Chalmette High School volleyball team has had its share of success, clenching playoff rights for 29 of those 30 seasons. Under the leadership of head coach Kelli Plaiscia, the team moved once again to the state playoffs this year, upholding the legacy of success and sportsmanship that the team has developed in its three decades.
Plaiscia said she teaches the girls to set goals and work as a team to achieve them, and that philosophy seems to continue to pay off year after year.
“Our goal, like it is every year, is to set our sights on a district championship and qualify for the state tournament,” Plaiscia said. “With the long hours and hard work the girls put in, we were able to repeat as undefeated district champs and qualify for state again this year.”
The girls took to the court as the #24 seed in the playoffs and were ultimately defeated by the #9 seed.
“The girls fought hard and played a close match again Baton Rouge High school, but were defeated,” Plaiscia said. “I am extremely proud of our season this year and how successful the team was especially with the inexperience and youth that our team was comprised of.”
Plaiscia said to prepare for their season, the girls began conditioning in June. Their dedication to working hard over the summer months and commit to their sport played a hand in their success.
“We improved drastically from the beginning of the season and it’s all due to the commitment and hard work of the girls,“ Plaiscia said.
Reflecting back on the program as a whole, Plaiscia said she is proud of the success, but also of the traditions and pride that the program has created in its players and supporters.
“I feel our volleyball program has been successful over the last 29 seasons because of the dedication, work ethic, and commitment the girls give to our program year after year,” Plaiscia said. “They work hard to continue to uphold the tradition of Chalmette volleyball and the pride and fortune of success that we’ve had since our first volleyball season back in 1988.”
While Plaiscia has been recognized in many capacities for her success as a coach, she says the true recognition is shared by many.
“The credit goes to all the girls who started our program back then, and all the girls in between, leading up to today, who continue to have the desire to do the hard work it takes for our program to be successful,” Plasicia said. “In fact, I feel so blessed that over these last 29 years, I have had the privilege to teach the sport I love, and coach such amazing young ladies along the way.”
