Setting the Standard

Palisades High Volleyball Star Kaia Kanan Leaves It All on the Floor

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

When the Palisades High girls volleyball team lost last Tuesday night’s Southern California Regional match to Oxnard in a five-set heartbreaker, it marked the end of an era in team annals: the Kaia Kanan era.

That is how much the Dolphins’ setter impacted the program throughout her four years on varsity. Her game is defined by fluid movement, quick decision-making, uncanny court vision, and strong leadership—all achieved with an ever-present smile that has been woven into the fabric of the winningest program in City history.

“Kaia’s the most complete setter I’ve had in my time at Palisades,” admitted Carlos Gray, the Dolphins’ head coach since 2013. “She covered up so many flaws our team had with her ability to put the ball in spots to make hitters successful. We wouldn’t have made it as far as we did this year withou her.”

An example of the respect Kanan has earned  by her peers and opposing coaches came shortly after Palisades’ four-set defeat to Granada Hills in the Open Division semifinals on November 2 when Highlanders Coach Tom Harp sought her out to compliment her on her performance.        

Kanan exudes confidence and the positive vibe she brought to every practice, every bus ride and every match is something Gray will miss.  

“She has a lot of energy and positivity that rubs off on everyone else,” Gray said. “She makes her teammates feel good. She always has a nice word for everyone around her.”   

After backing up captain and Palisadian-Post Cup Award winner Keely McMahon her freshman year, Kanan took over the starting role as a sophomore and her perfectly-placed and well-timed sets led the Dolphins to the City finals. In the spring, she propelled Palisades to the title and earned City Player of the Year honors.

What Kanan will cherish most about being a Dolphin is the relationships she has made on and off the court and being a calming influence amidst the chaos and unpredictability brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I made lots of friends and this program has meant so much to me,” she said. “This year was cool mentoring the younger girls. I remember when I was in their shoes and I try to encourage them a lot because the future’s in their hands.”

Hooked since she started playing for Paul Revere Middle School, Kanan also enjoys beach volleyball. Kaia is proud to carry on the family legacy, as her father Jim and brothers Jake and Kobe also played for Palisades.