Palisades Volleyball: Past Meets Present

Almost 30 former players, representing 40 years of volleyball at Palisades High, reunited on the court in the program’s first alumni match last Saturday, 30 years after the Dolphins won their only state championship. The PaliHi gym was overflowing with pride and tradition, as the alumnae and varsity split four spirited sets. The alumnae squad’s all-star lineup included Lulu (Schwartz) Kaseff (Class of 1980), member of the ’78 City Section champion and 1979 City and state championship teams who was a three-year All American at UC San Diego; Rhonda Stoklos (Class of ’78), who played on the ’77 City title team; and Nancy Cohen Fredgant (Class of ’76), who went on to play beach volleyball and is recognized on the sport’s Walk of Fame in Manhattan Beach. Before the match there were introductions for all of the alumnae and especially former Coach Gayle Van Meter, who piloted the Dolphins to 16 City titles in her 22 years at the helm. “The main reason that I had to come out here today was to say thank you to Gayle Van Meter,” Pai Svenson (Class of ’87) said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have volleyball. She changed the trajectory of my life.” Svenson went on to play at UCLA and for the Swedish National Team after playing under Van Meter throughout high school. Proving the program is still strong as ever, Coach Chris Forrest’s varsity squad started strong, winning the first two sets, 15-13 and 15-4. After the first set, Van Meter and her 1979 state championship team was honored. Back in those days, side-out scoring was still used and the Dolphins defeated Fremont High of Sunnyvale, 15-6, 11-15, 16-14, in the Division I state final at Santa Clara University. Through the 1970s and ’80s, Palisades remained the gold standard in the City, winning the 4A title 13 times in 14 seasons from 1974-87. Demonstrating that their skills have not diminished much over time, the alumnae won sets three and four with great play from Svenson, setter Amber Held (Class of ’02) and last year’s City Player of the Year, Laura Goldsmith, fresh off a stellar rookie season at Colorado College. Goldsmith enjoyed returning to play with other alumnae and against her former teammates. “It was exciting and a lot of fun to see everyone,” she said. PaliHi senior libero Tait Johnson thought the experience was memorable. “I think we had a lot of fun, and that is what the game is all about,” said Johnson, whose older sister Teal won City as a senior in 2007. “It’s a honor to be a part of tradition and it was really cool that they all came out here.” Forrest called the event a great success: “I had a great time and I’m so glad we did this. Congratulations to Korby Siamis and Eileen Savage for putting this together, and to all parents who helped out. It was a great time for everyone and I hope that we can do it next year.”