The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
After a co-Moore League championship in 2023, Wilson finished second in league last year behind Poly with a 9-3 league record. The Bruins made it to the second round of the playoffs and are back hoping for their first non-shared league title since 2011 under first year coach Gersain Pineda.
“We’re rebuilding the team dynamic and chemistry and reteaching some fundamentals,” said Pineda. “The progression is there now that we’re moving forward–we’re excited for the season.”
Pineda said his style as a coach revolves around trying to project confidence into his players, as well as developing the team dynamic.
“I encourage a lot of teamwork, this is a team sport,” he said. “If you don’t have chemistry, what you’re learning is not going to be useful. These are young teenagers–building up their confidence and knowing how to give the right feedback to them is important. That’s what I do and how I coach.”
Of course, all the chemistry in the world still requires some good ingredients, and Pineda is blessed in that way. Simrin Adams, one of the top players in SoCal and a commit to Stanford to play beach volleyball, will anchor Wilson’s attack as an outside who’s obviously also a top-shelf server and passer.
“She’s a leader and a voice for sure,” said Pineda. “She brings that energy when it’s needed, and she awakens that little monster that we hae in our team. She’s a great motivator. She’s a really dynamic player, I can place her anywhere and she’ll find a way to put the ball away.”
Adams said the team has meshed well with Pineda’s style.
“He’s working on developing us into a better team,” she said. “There’s a lot of purpose in every practice that we do–I think it’s a new experience for him too and he’s trying to figure us out. But he’s a great person and he’s definitely working to improve the team.”
The Bruins are more than just Adams, though, featuring a ton of returning top-shelf talent including middle blockers Sadie Calderone and Iyla Alvaredo and Janel Brown. Calderone’s speed and strong block have made her a dynamic player on the beach as well.
Milan Lewis has added some power on the right side this year, and Peyton Agura will be another pin hitter contributor.
Na’Ima Lewis will be the team’s setter this year, captaining a faster-tempo offense for the Bruins. Libero Dani Dobi will be the defensive centerpiece whose passing unlocks that tempo for the Bruins, and Sage Darling will contribute as a DS.
“We have a lot of depth and a lot of options at pins, so we’re able to mix things around,” said Adams. “We’ve got more depth all around, it’s looking pretty good right now.”
Pineda said he’s looking forward to taking part in a championship tilt if it comes down to his team or reigning league champs Poly.
“It’s usually been Wilson or Poly going back and forth,” he said. “I’m just focusing on making my team stronger. Here’s hoping we take league this year–Poly is a strong competitor, but as a coach the only team I’m worried about is my own team.”
