With Ashlynn Proctor leading the way, Coronado High School is passing volleyball tests

CORONADO — When she started coaching the Coronado High School girls volleyball team in 2008, Adeile Ahmu was tough.

Her first couple teams didn’t respond to it.

“That doesn’t always work,” said Ahmu, now in her 17th season at Coronado.

Ahmu sought out feedback from her colleagues and mentors, including beach and indoor legend Allen Allen. She followed his advice, toned things down, picked her spots, and made a change.

Now, she’s less of a strict leader and more of a mentor.

“I’ve grown with this sport. I’ve grown with the girls,” she said. “They know when I’m serious. They know when it’s game time. They know when they can relax.”

It’s working this season.

The Islanders are 23-3 and ranked No. 3 in the Union-Tribune poll, which includes media members, coaches, club directors and officials.

So far this season, they have beaten Westview, San Marcos, Bishop’s and Christian — all current top-10 teams.

Coronado has back-to-back matches this week with No. 6 Scripps Ranch and No. 2 Cathedral Catholic in a tough Western League that also includes Christian and No. 10 Our Lady of Peace, which beat the Islanders last week and is in the top 10 for the first time this season at No. 10.

Coronado is led by 6-foot-1 outside hitter Ashlynn Proctor. The sophomore has 636 kills on 839 attempts, hitting at an impressive .371 clip with 31 aces, 24 blocks and 166 digs.

The Islanders went to Proctor consistently in a 25-19, 25-23, 25-13 sweep of Christian last week. Big moments have turned into consistent small victories thanks to a renewed calmness this season.

“We rise to the pressure,” said Proctor, who is ranked the sixth-best sophomore in the state by the Prep Dig recruiting service. “In the team huddle before the game, everyone was super hyped and ready to go out and make a statement because we’ve always been kind of below teams like Christian. We’re proving that we can beat them, and we can beat them in three sets.”

Proctor put an end to the match against the Patriots with an ace.

Proctor’s sister Brooke runs a 5-1 offense. The 5-10 freshman has stepped in and immediately brought consistency with a calm presence.

“Everyone’s very close,” Brooke Proctor said. “Everyone’s trying to do their best and make the team its best. It has been a very welcoming environment because everyone understands we’re out here trying to get better and have fun. That’s what the sport is about.”

Emily Albin is a 5-10 sophomore who can play at both pins and even in the middle for the Islanders.

Seniors Madison Davis in the middle and Avalon Haro at libero are difference-makers on defense. Fellow senior Ariana Van Handel also gets some rotations in the middle.

The Islanders have been boosted by the arrival of junior transfers Angelique (AJ) Bernard and Savannah Browning. The duo played together at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Wash.

“We were able to welcome them into the team and create an environment they felt comfortable in,” said senior Leah Camaisa, a 5-4 defensive specialist.

Part of that is because the Islanders keep things in perspective. Are they impressed by their high rankings this season?

“Not really,” Brooke Proctor said. “It’s all just numbers. At the end of the day, it’s just playing volleyball. It’s just playing a sport. It’s about having fun.”

Don’t confuse the Islanders’ kindness with a lack of competitiveness. The Islanders want to finish the regular season as one of the top eight teams in the county.

“Our goal is to be in the Open Division (playoffs),” Ashlynn Proctor said. “We get to play Cathedral Catholic twice. Every team is beatable, but so are we. It just depends on the day. We have a good shot at it.”

Ahmu played volleyball and softball at Serra High School, now known as Canyon Hills. She moved on to Park University in Parkville, Mo., completing her collegiate career in 2005.

Ahmu began her coaching career at Allen’s club, continuing at Tsunami Volleyball Club until the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut the club down. Since 2021, she has coached at East County Volleyball Club.

She feels she has her finger on the pulse of the upstart Islanders.

“I feel like that’s where our heart is, with the senior class,” Ahmu said. “They’ve been here for four years. They’ve watched us grow. They know what it feels like to get to the end and not make it through. That is building the fire and holding each other accountable every day at practice.”