Allison Wygal, a 2022 Coronado High School grad, is taking the reins as the head coach for the Islander’s girls’ beach volleyball team this season.
Wygal, the current setter at San Diego City College, was a member of the 2021-22 Coronado High team that finished 8-6 (5-5 in City League play) alongside her younger sister Emily. Wygal also works part time at the La Jolla Volleyball Club as an assistant coach. She says her love for the game started in high school while playing for the Islanders and has continued into college.
“Knowing not only the game but also what it is like being a player is a huge asset to coach my team,” Wygal said. “My coaches have given me examples to use with my own team. The team has started the 2025 campaign off strong, notching wins over Mira Mesa, Clairemont, San Diego, and Canyon Hills.”
Wygal said she has high expectations: to win league and help her players develop a better understanding of the beach game.
“My team’s style of play is definitely focused around playing smarter,” she said. “I’ve worked with them to get a better understanding of using ‘easy’ plays to get the ball to hit the sand. We don’t need big flashy hitters, just a good game plan!”
The strong identity is something Wygal said she tries to instill by being overly encouraging – sometimes to the point of embarrassment.
“I love to be big and extra when I cheer them on, even if it ends up embarrassing myself a little,” she said. “The last game I kept yelling ‘get hungry’ to my team, and they ended up coming back from a deficit. So, I think it helped.”
Wygal highlighted senior Sadie Proctor’s work ethic and effort as key, while noting that the lone freshman on varsity could develop into an important contributor.
“Sadie is a senior; I don’t know what her college plans are but she has amazing skill on the beach,” Wygal said. “Jamison is our freshman on varsity. I can see her being a great leader in the future once she gains good confidence in herself.”
Now in the final sprint of the 2025, the Islanders will need to run the gauntlet of seven games in 20 days to secure a playoff spot and continue their pursuit of a CIF title. The regular season wraps up on April 24 versus Patrick Henry High School.
