SARATOGA -- Mapuhola "Mapu" Sekona has been named the interim head coach of West Valley indoor and beach volleyball as announced by Associate Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics John Vlahos.

"I am thrilled to appoint Mapu Sekona as the interim beach volleyball coach," said Vlahos. "When I think of VikingVolley, Mapu is one of the very first that comes to mind. As a student athlete, Mapu helped turn our volleyball program around and make it one of the premier programs in California. She is one of the most highly decorated student-athletes to ever put on a Viking uniform."

Sekona played both indoor and beach for the Vikings from 2017-2019 and followed it with a career at Cal State Bakersfield. At West Valley, Sekona ignited the volleyball program with her play and helped jumpstart what is now one of the most successful junior college volleyball programs on the West Coast.

On the hardwood, Sekona led the Coast Conference in kills per set in each of her seasons in Saratoga while hitting .275 and averaging 3.28 digs per set. Her career in the sand may have been even more incredible. Teaming with Kaylin Henderson, the pair won the Coast Conference and were named NorCal champions and finished second in the state, the highest finish for a pair in program history.

"As a Viking alum," said Sekona, "I'm incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as interim head coach of West Valley College's volleyball program. West Valley was my first home away from home, and it played a major role in shaping who I am today."

She then transferred to Cal State Bakersfield where she played two seasons for the Roadrunners. As a junior, Sekona played 33 sets over 15 matches. She was stellar defending the floor and as a serve-receive player, picking up seven service aces against Canisius. After redshirting her junior beach season, she returned for her senior year and went 6-3 as part of the No. 4 pair, highlighted by a three-set win over No. 18 Long Beach State.

Since returning to Saratoga as a coach in 2022, Sekona has continued to instill her championship mentality in both the indoor and beach programs. Under her tutelage, Sekona has helped guide the indoor program to a 61-41 record with a 33-5 mark in Coast Conference play, winning three straight Coast Conference championships from 2022-2024. The beach program has been equally as successful, going 29-13 as members of the Coast.

"As a coach, [Sekona] has been a part of several very successful seasons," said Vlahos. "She has been an outstanding role model and a great mentor to our student-athletes."

"I want to sincerely thank our athletic director, John Vlahos, for the trust and support he's shown me," said Sekona, "as well as Sam Crosson for their leadership and guidance. I'm also deeply thankful for Armen Zakarian, my coach at West Valley from 2017–2019, who set the example of what it means to truly love a program and helped shape my love for the game, this program, and for coaching."

The Sekona-led Vikings begin their conference season on February 27 against Gavilan and Fresno, looking to build off an 8-6 conference record last year.

"I'm excited," said Sekona, "to continue working with our student-athletes and future Vikings to come, build a strong and competitive culture, and represent West Valley with Viking pride."