Mount Madonna Hawks playing for CIF state title
Mount Madonna Hawks playing for CIF state title
Morgan Hill
Razor focus is the Mount Madonna Hawks’ secret weapon, and also the essence of the school they represent. A team of eleven girls, fielded from a high school of only 52 students, has made it to the state volleyball championships, and as their Head of School, Dr. Sarada Diffenbaugh explains in a press release, “Exceptional performance comes from deep focus-mind, heart, body, and spirit.”
Their training includes after-school practice everyday, including yoga and breathing exercises. And for the Hawks, the focus and calm they achieve is as important as strength, flexibility and endurance.
“While we’re thrilled with their victory, it’s not just their athletic prowess we celebrate, it’s how each girl commits to the team.
“The girls put their whole selves on the court and play as one, and that’s stronger than physical might,” Diffenbaugh said.
When the Hawks were struggling in the third game of CCS Division V finals, head coach Gabby Houston called a timeout.
Rather than the usual coach pep talk, Houston led the girls in breathing to refocus their attention, and they returned to the court and won the game.
At the upcoming CIF Volleyball Championship on Saturday, tiny Mount Madonna School will be playing better than their best.
As CIF NorCal and CCS Division V champs, the Hawks have their sights set on a California State title.
“Mount Madonna’s not just about athletics-anyone can join the team. It’s about raising individuals who make a positive difference in the world,” Diffenbaugh said.
Mount Madonna students are scholar athletes, they interview world leaders (last year they met the Dalai Lama), they are environmentalists (they converted the school’s buses to biodiesel), and every student performs in the annual musical.
The Hawks defeated Castilleja High School, of Palo Alto, on Tuesday in the NorCal state championship match, advancing to the CIF state title match.
The Hawks take on Turlock Christian at 10 a.m. Saturday at San Jose State’s event center.
