NORM LOWERY GYM. A player's emotional response to each point might have suggested the home team was scoring consistently on Wednesday evening, yet the actual scoreline eventually matched that impression as Everett secured a decisive victory over Marysville Getchell.
Despite a slow start that saw the visiting Chargers establish early advantages of 3-1, 4-2 and 5-3 in the opening frame, the senior setter maintained a composed demeanor. She never appeared rattled by the initial errors, and her confidence proved well-founded as she orchestrated a turnaround that pushed the Seagulls into a 6-5 lead. The momentum shifted rapidly, with the scoreboard reading 19-12 shortly thereafter. By the conclusion of the match, the home team dominated the scoring columns.
Everett cruised to a sweep, taking sets with scores of 25-13, 25-8 and 25-5. The setter recorded 34 assists during the contest. While the program has secured more significant victories during her tenure, the atmosphere of the evening carried particular weight. Performing before a full student section on Senior Night served as a reminder to cherish the remainder of her time with the team.
The pregame ceremony brought strong emotions, especially with family members traveling from Hawaii to attend. Reflecting on her four-year tenure, she expressed sadness about leaving the program behind while acknowledging its profound influence on her life.
Throughout her career, she has established a significant legacy within the program. She contributed to the team's first state tournament appearance since 2009 the previous year. Additionally, she recently achieved a rare milestone by reaching 2,000 career assists.
Coach Marsha Poischbeg noted that many players struggle to reach half that number, calling the achievement a major honor. Poischbeg stated that the setter's ability to manage the offense distinguishes her from peers at other institutions.
Her journey to that milestone began at the Everett Boys Girls Club, located near the high school. She began competing there in the fourth grade under the guidance of her father, Mel Urbanozo, who served as her coach. She quickly identified a strong competitive instinct within herself.
That determination resulted in first-place finishes during her fourth and fifth-grade seasons. While those victories fueled her passion for the sport, she attributes her current path to the environment provided by the club and her family's support. She recalled spending countless hours in the gym striving to improve alongside her father, who currently assists the Seagulls' coaching staff, citing him as a major inspiration.
She also credits her mother, Becky, for her dedication, including transporting her to practice and assisting with drills. Her sister, freshman libero Alexa Urbanozo, supported her by practicing outside and assisting in her development.
It was at the Boys Girls Club that she first encountered Ava Gonzalez, now a prominent hitter for the Seagulls. Known as the Ava Duo, the pair have competed together every year since, moving through club volleyball in middle school and continuing their partnership into high school. Gonzalez explained that their long history together allows her to anticipate where the ball will be placed. The sport has become synonymous with family for the Urbanozos, with Gonzalez considered an honorary member of that circle.
Everett’s volleyball program is preparing for a final postseason appearance with its current senior core before the team splits up next year. The upcoming club season will see the two key players diverge in their collegiate paths; one will attend Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, while her teammate will enroll at Central Washington University.
Despite the impending separation, the pair has maintained a close bond throughout their time together. A player on the squad described her family as a "second family" to her, noting their unwavering support. The setter has been praised for her ability to distribute the offense, utilize various hitters, and create individual opportunities. Her teammates expressed deep appreciation for the complexity of her role, acknowledging the skill required to manage the game flow.
As of Wednesday, the team’s leading setter has recorded 2,247 assists. While she continues to accumulate personal statistics, her focus remains on contributing to the team’s overall success.
The Seagulls entered this season with renewed energy after their previous campaign. Last year, they captured the District 1 3A title as the No. 6 seed, only to lose both of their subsequent matches in the state tournament. Head coach Poischbeg, who moved from the junior varsity position to the varsity role this season, observed a heightened intensity within the group. She attributed this drive to rigorous summer training and weightlifting regimens. According to the coach, the players are eager to reclaim their status and are determined to reach the state tournament once again.
Currently, the team holds a 10-4 overall record and a 7-2 mark in league competition. They are competing for a top position in the Wesco North 3A/2A standings against Stanwood, who is 12-2 overall and 9-1 in the league, and Monroe, who stands at 11-3 overall and 8-2 in league play. Although the staff acknowledges that district seeding does not guarantee postseason success, a lesson learned from last year’s run, they remain committed to securing every available ranking point.
Having gained state tournament experience for the first time in almost twenty years, the squad believes it is ready to qualify again. One player noted that the team possesses the mental toughness to move past setbacks and continue improving, even when facing adversity during matches.