Coach Puckett, players honored as South El Monte wins 2025 CIF Division 9 volleyball title

The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 21 recognized South El Monte High School's girls volleyball team for winning the 2025 CIF Southern Section Division 9 championship and named head coach Christina Puckett CIF coach of the year.

Superintendent Dr. Zuniga introduced the team and praised the community that supports athletics. "We are so ecstatic that you guys are here because today is about South El Monte High School," Dr. Zuniga said, noting his personal history at the campus and calling the season "a wonderful story." Principal Jorge Morales told the board he was "extremely proud to be the current principal at South El Monte High School" and said the team would place a commemorative plaque in the gymnasium.

Coach Christina Puckett thanked the board, parents and players, describing a rapid turn of events after she took over the program in late August. "They trusted me. They helped me," she said, recalling a difficult stretch early in the season and the team's composure in five-set matches that carried them to the title. Puckett highlighted senior leadership and singled out Daniella Galvan, named Division 9 player of the year, and other all‑CIF honorees.

Board members presented certificates to the coaching staff and players and invited brief remarks by team captains Annette Cervantes and Daniela Ceballos, who credited the coaching staff and community support for the turnaround. The board arranged photo opportunities and called on the district community to continue supporting student‑athletes.

The recognition was ceremonial; no district policy changes or funding decisions were made at the event. The presentation also included a short discussion of ring‑ceremony fundraising and acknowledgements for athletic administrators who supported the team during the playoff run.