Hall of Famer Kanoe Bandy Returns to Lead Taft College Women’s Volleyball

Taft, Calif. - Taft College has named Kanoe Bandy head coach of the Cougars women's volleyball program for the upcoming season. Bandy returns to the court after retiring from coaching, stepping in to lead the program following the departure of the previous head coach, who accepted another position. Her return provides continuity for a team coming off a Central Valley Conference South Division championship.

Bandy brings extensive coaching and administrative experience to the position. She spent 33 years coaching volleyball at Taft and served as the college's athletic director for 25 years. In December, Bandy was inducted into the California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in recognition of her coaching career and contributions to the sport. She agreed to return when Taft was unable to secure a replacement before the approaching season.

"We are really going to miss Mallori in our department and throughout our campus," Bandy said. "We appreciate everything she has done for our program and wish her well in her new endeavors."

Bandy will inherit an experienced roster that includes nine players from last season's championship team. Returning sophomores Jazzahlei Satele and Vienna Perier earned First Team All-CVC South Division honors, while Ku'ulei Manaois, Haviland Valdez and Shylah Pulu-Valdez were selected to the second team. Teihanni Tafisi and Railye Makainai received honorable mention recognition. Sophomores Natalia Stromsdorfer-Meza and Inara Chin Lee also return to provide additional experience and leadership.

The Cougars will add three freshmen to that returning group: Jadalynn Satele-Filifili and Taylor Clevenger, both from Hawaii. Bandy plans to help the team build on last season's success by emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork and leadership. Her approach centers on preparing athletes to compete confidently and flourish on the court, with the understanding that a team is only as good as its most recent competition.

"I am so excited and honored to coach these young ladies," Bandy said. "It is a gift. They are talented, motivated and ready to work hard."

"This is going to be a fun year," Bandy said. "These student-athletes are not only talented, but they are also kind, giving and fun to be around. I am excited to see what we can accomplish together."

(Courtesy of Taft College Athletics)