It was the ultimate parting gift for Brian Drosdovech.
The Immaculata Mustangs marked their coach’s 25th and final season at the program’s helm by capturing the B.C. girls A volleyball championship.
On Saturday at Mt. Sentinel Secondary, the Mustangs successfully defended their provincial title with a 3-1 win (25-17, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23) over Richmond Christian in the championship match.
“You can’t ask for a better finish,” said Drosdovech, who led the Mustangs to three B.C. gold medals during his tenure. “This year’s team had to work really hard, my best players really had to work, so it wasn’t easy. The kids did a great job.”
Ranked No. 1 all season, the Mustangs were led at provincials by Natalie Livingston, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player, and Nicole Hart, a first-team all-star.
Katie Spiess was named to the second team.
On paper, the 2015 Mustangs didn’t have as much depth as last year’s team, but Drosdovech said his girls compensated with character.
“This was a really, really nice group of kids, really just unbelievable how good they were to coach,” he said. “They liked each other and played for each, so that was a big part of it.”
Drosdovech will now move over to the junior program at Immaculata and is hoping fellow co-coach Kasandra Palmer will take over the reins with the senior girls next season.
And while Drosdovech doesn’t consider himself an “overly emotional” person, he will always value his time as coach of the Mustangs.
“It’s been a good run,” he said. “We had great kids and great parents along the way and it was very enjoyable.
“I’ve always wanted to coach the juniors, work on developing young players, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
The B.C. champion Mustangs are: Natalie Livingston, Nicole Hart, Katie Spiess, Hannah Slade, Kate Johnson, Ashley Prehofer, Ashlyn Day, Alexa Bruchinsky, Amanda Grant, Kennedy Pesl and Trinity Alexander.
Meanwhile, the Kelowna Christian Knights finished fifth overall at provincials.
Jessica Regher of KCS was named a second team all-star.
