On Thursday September 6 before the game against Poston Butte High School, the SLHS Volleyball program honored former head coach Matias Diaz in their first home game.

Matias, who passed away this summer, was the former head coach and a campus favorite among both students and staff. He will be replaced by wellness coach Edith Garcia

The pregame ceremony started of with senior player Stephanie Najera requesting a moment of silence from the half packed gym prior to saying a speech. In a classy move the visiting Poston Butte team stood in unity with the SL team during the ceremony.

“Tonight the Sierra Linda volleyball team would like play a tribute to our beloved coach, Mr. Matias Diaz, who we lost unexpectedly this past summer. We will miss him tremendously, but we will carry him in our hearts as we dedicate this 2016 season to him. Thank you, coach Diaz, for everything. The Bulldogs family will never forget you.” said Najera.

About  2 dozen Diaz family members were in attendance. And it was a really emotional for all.  After the ceremony Mr. Diaz’s wife was grateful and and thanked every single girl on the volleyball team as they lined up one by one to give them a hug.

“Thank you guys for everything this means a lot to us.” said Mrs. Diaz

Stephanie Najera giving her speech to as both teams lock up in unity

Mr. Diaz’s family sitting before the game starts

Volleyball girls with tears and hugs

Mrs. Diaz saying thank you to all the teaches who showed up.