The Compton girls volleyball team has reason to be excited about the upcoming 2026 season.
When the SoCal Legacy Association was created the goal was to build on the Moore League and the newly-formed Hub City League’s commitment to competitiveness, strengthening athletic programs and expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
Girls volleyball will be a direct reflection of that and Compton is looking to immediately compete for a league title. The Tarbabes finished sixth in the Moore League last year, but will see new opportunities after being in one of the toughest leagues in the area.
“Initially, I was like, ‘Oh, no,’ because the Moore League is all I’ve ever known,” Grandy said. “I love the competitiveness of competing against Moore League teams. I have nothing but high expectations. I’m excited to see what the new league brings, and I’m just open to every exciting opportunity and blessing that’s going to come through being a part of it.”
Compton will now compete against schools it has regularly faced during the preseason, adding more significance to matchups between players who have often known each other since before high school.
“It will definitely be a city rivalry,” Grandy said. “Typically, in previous years, we would always play each other in the preseason. So this steps it up a little bit. This makes the competitiveness a little stronger.”
Senior Dailyn Flores said those existing relationships should add to the competition during Compton’s first season in the league.
“I’ve seen a lot of our opponents since middle school, and it’s awesome to grow up with them,” Flores said. “Playing against them, there’s a little rivalry between us, so it’ll be awesome.”
The league change also provides Compton with a different path toward postseason qualification. Grandy said the opportunity to compete for playoff positioning against nearby programs raises the stakes for her team.
“This brings in some playoff possibilities,” Grandy said. “That’ll be very good for our girls. So this steps us up a notch, for real.”
Compton will enter the season with experience returning at several spots in its lineup. Grandy highlighted junior outside hitter Tamira Pernell as a player she expects to take another step this season.
The Tarbabes will also get senior middle hitter Selena Johnson back after she missed the second half of last season because of an ACL injury.
“She had to sit out for the second half of the season, and she was truly missed,” Grandy said. “Now we are really excited about getting her back, getting her ready to go, because she’s really important at that middle hitter position, for sure.”
Flores will be among the seniors tasked with helping Compton navigate the transition. She said the Tarbabes have developed together during her time in the program and have built stronger relationships heading into the season.
“Our first year wasn’t as good as we thought, but honestly, growing with our team over the years has been amazing,” Flores said. “I’ve gotten to know them more, and a lot of great things have been happening. Practices have been going great.”
Compton kicks off league play when they travel to Dominguez Aug. 27th.
