The WIAA High School Fall Sports season began this weekend with local South Sound teams meeting Saturday, August 29, 2026, at A. G. West Black Hills School for the Tumwater Girls Volleyball Jamboree. Participating high schools included Black Hills, Capital, North Thurston, Olympia, River Ridge, Timberline, and host Tumwater.
The Jamboree is a pre-season event that helps high school teams prepare for the season and allows squads to get early game experience. The mini jamboree saw teams challenge each other in one-set mini games. Timberline was 6-0 to top the event.
Timberline Head Coach Matthew Monnastes was excited to get back into action. “Going 6-0 at the jamboree was a great start and gave us a good first look at what this group can be,” stated Monnastes. “This is a really strong team with a lot of experience, athleticism, and depth, and I think we have the pieces to make a deep run this year.”
Defending 3A Champions North Thurston brought a new look for the squad with WIAA 3A player of the year Addy Connor graduating in the spring. Head Coach Jackie Meyer has seven seniors returning on her squad, with three of those as core starters. “My team is excited to build off the accomplishments of last year,” Meyer stated. “The Jamboree is a great beginning for our year, and I know the team is looking to continue to build a legacy at NTHS.”
Black Hills Head Coach Kendra Dunn is excited for her team of five returning players, including three returning varsity seniors. “We knew this season would be an opportunity to grow together, and I love how the team played with energy, grit and fought for every point,” Dunn noted after the jamboree. “We had a slow start today, but I’m incredibly proud of how we finished our last two matches.”
Most teams begin play next week. Arbiterlive hosts season schedules for all local high school teams.
