The Cordova Lady Lancers appear ready to make a big leap this fall. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Entering the 2026 fall season, vibes are at an all-time high for the Cordova Lady Lancers. 

After a season of growing pains last year with a young and inexperienced group led by Head Coach Jaimee Stevenson, the energy and optimism surrounding the team has brought excitement into the auxiliary gym at Cordova High School. With only a handful of newcomers to the program, the foundation the Lady Lancers built last year has carried over into summer workouts as the team prepares for the season ahead. 

Senior libero Isabel Stevenson was unanimously voted a team captain by her teammates. Photo by Rick Sloan

“Last season, while it was a tough season, was a really resilient and grit-focused season,” Stevenson said. “What’s unique about this years’ team is there was a lot of gelling last year that they are building from with a really strong foundation and connection. The exciting part of it is they are starting this season where they left off last season. There’s great vibes.”

This years’ team will be guided by the play and leadership of senior libero Isabel Stevenson, who recently was unanimously voted a team captain by her teammates. Stevenson, who has earned All-Metro League honors the past two years, figures to be the backbone of the Lady Lancers’ attack once again. Her coach wants to see her leadership qualities shine through this season and feels it will pay huge dividends for the group. 

Head coach Jaimee Stevenson says that team chemistry will help carry the team this year. Photo by Rick Sloan

“My expectation is consistency on and off the court,” Stevenson said. “Pulling the girls together on and off of the court. Being able to lift people up through that leadership dynamic. She's got a lot of close relationships across all the different age ranges of players on the team, and I feel like she's really tried hard to study her teammates and understand who needs what. Some need cheering, others need a more assertive approach and energy. I feel like whether its leading in her play or leading in her communication on the court, that's what the team is going to lean on.”

Other key contributors on the court figure to be junior setter and team captain Isabella Choi, sophomore outside hitter Rowan Ankaa, and junior middle blocker Asena Qoro. Stevenson spoke glowingly of the underclassmen, saying the team will be relying on their improvement in a big way. Additionally, 6'2" freshman outside hitter/middle blocker Caitlyn Schubin, senior opposite Kai Oliver, and sophomore setter Shanika Go are all going to play important roles as newcomers this season.

The Lady Lancers will put a much more experienced group on the court this year. Photo by Rick Sloan

After winning just one game in league play a season ago, the belief is that the team will be much improved once Metro League competition kicks off this fall. The team is looking to earn a playoff berth, even though they don't necessarily want to say it out loud. 

“I don’t want to jinx it, but I also believe in manifesting,” Stevenson said. “I’m really excited to see how these girls do. Even though the scoreboard last year didn't reflect a win compared to a loss, we improved in how we played against these teams last year. I'm really eager to see this year because they have gelled and have that trust in each other.”

The Lady Lancers begin their season at Natomas High School on Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

The Lady Lancers will put a much more experienced group on the court this year. Photo by Rick Sloan