 Thank you for
your interest in Cerritos College volleyball. As your
days of high school are coming to a close, or if you are
looking for a new school, we know that you are preparing
for your future academic and athletic goals. We would
like to give you some information about Cerritos College
and the volleyball program to help you with this
process. We are very proud of
what Cerritos College has to offer student-athletes. The
campus offers a wide variety of support services for
student-athletes, including a full-time athletic
academic advisor and a learning assistance program which
offers tutoring and academic support. We have a very
high transfer rate of sophomores leaving Cerritos to
play at four-year universities.
One of the most respected
programs in the state for years, the Falcon volleyball
team is always considered to be an early-season
contender for the South Coast Conference Championship,
as well as a threat to advance to the state
championships. Last season, the Falcons had six players
earn scholarships to four-year universities, as Nancy
Marin (Valdosta (GA) State), Shanell McMillen (Cal State
University, East Bay/Whittier College), Kim Stolk (University of
Alaska-Anchorage), Naomi Hobayan (Kansas Wesleyan
University), Melanie Figueroa (Cal State University,
Stanislaus) and Erika Rangel (Waldorf (IA) College)
continue the tradition of moving players to the next
level.
 In years past, the Cerritos
College volleyball program was year in and year out, one
of the most feared in the state. Under the guidance of
Jeanine Prindle in the 1990’s, Cerritos College won five
straight conference titles (four of them being
undefeated seasons) and captured the team’s lone state
championship in 1992. They advanced to the state
tournament seven years in a row and played in the
championship game four consecutive seasons. Although
they remained competitive, the team is looking for
another trip to the state championships and a crack at
the title. The coaching tandem of Teresa
Velazquez-Ortega and Gay Castaneda are dedicated to
returning the team to their elite status. Teresa
Velazquez-Ortega played for the Falcons and led them to
the state finals, while the coaching staff has over 25
years of coaching experience. Teresa Velazquez-Ortega
was both an All-Southern California and All-American
selected while with Cerritos. We are eager to meet you
and help you decided if Cerritos volleyball is a good
fit for you.
The college has an
enrollment of over 23,000 students and is located in
Norwalk, CA, just minutes from both downtown Los Angeles
to the northwest and Orange County to the southeast.
There is plenty of local housing in the area, while the
college also offers a housing board, which offer rooms
for rent at affordable prices in the immediate area.
For more information on
Cerritos College and the Falcon volleyball program,
please feel free to look over the following links:
Note: All prospective
student-athletes should contact Teresa Ortega at tvelazquez@cerritos.edu
or by calling (562) 860-2451
ext. 2881 before filling out an application.
College Application |
Financial Aid Information |
Current Class Schedule
Why Cerritos College?
School - Cerritos is an excellent
school with highly qualified instructors. Cerritos can
meet all of your goals for classes. It is a great place
for you to transfer from. We have two counselors who
work specifically with our athletes. Most importantly is
priority registration. You get 1st choice on all
classes. This is very beneficial, and many colleges may
not have this bonus. We have a great campus, with a lot
of brand new buildings, as well as technology and
Cerritos is a fun place to be! It is right next to the
605, 105, and 91 freeways, so it is easy to get to and
there is plenty of parking.
 Volleyball - We have one
of the best programs in the state for anyone who wants
to compete for a championship. We have a number of
talented athletes here. Practices will be competitive
and fun and we work very hard to be successful. We train
hard because we strive to be better and compete for the
conference title and state playoffs every year. We plan
on having a strong winning record this season and want
you to be part of that. If your goals include playing
volleyball at a 4-year college or university, we are
here to help get you there. We know coaches across the
country at NCAA Division I, II and III institutions as
well as NAIA schools. We also have professional contacts
in the AVP and in Europe. We have excellent networking
skills and have helped our volleyball players sign
scholarships to more than 45 different universities
across the nation. If you have the goal to continue your
education and play competitive volleyball at a high
level, we know we can help you accomplish that goal.
Travel - We travel in Charter buses and
team vans. There is no need to cram into each other’s
cars because we drive in style.
Team - This team enjoys each other’s
company. You will be a welcomed part of our family and
there are no egos here. We all want to win and work
together to accomplish our goals. You would have no
problem making new friends. Everyone would love to have
you on our team.
Coaching - Both Teresa Velazquez-Ortega and
Gay Castaneda have extensive coaching experience. Coach Ortega was an All-American selection
for Cerritos and played on the Mexican National Team.
Coach Castaneda played for Cypress College and Cal State
Fullerton Coach Castaneda has coached many all-league
players and All-CIF players as a high school coach. They
have both enjoyed a great deal of success in playing and
coaching. Coach Ortega can contribute much of that
success directly from her playing experience at Cerritos
College.
 Weightlifting - We lift weights and do
plyometric and agility training year-round. We have had
great success developing our athletes to become
stronger, quicker players. Gaining exposure to this type
of high-level training will better prepare you to
compete at a 4-year institution. We have an outstanding
weight room and track. We also periodically train on the
beach. We believe that proper training helps in injury
prevention. The stronger you are, both physically and
mentally, the better you will play.
Making your own path - Where do you
want to be in three years? Do you want to eventually go
on to a university and graduate? Do you have a skilled
profession of choice? Are you totally unsure? We have a
variety of classes and programs for you to look into. We
can help you with your life path. Let us help you
achieve your dreams. Come play volleyball for Cerritos
College! |
