Master's junior Desi Brown admits she was a little surprised to learn this week she'd been selected to the All-Golden State Athletic Conference beach volleyball team.
Mustang head coach Annett Davis did not share that reaction.
"Desi is one of the most respected players in our conference," Davis said of the recently married Brown, whose maiden name is Elizondo. "She's not only a great athlete, but she's a leader. Our players look at her and learn how to work hard, how to take risks, how to never give up, and how to demand excellence from yourself and others."
Brown's arrival from Grossmont College, where she helped the Griffins win a California community college state championship in 2019, was timely. Setting out on its inaugural season, the Mustangs benefited from Brown's poise, enthusiasm and experience.
Davis paired Brown with Katie Emmerling as the Mustangs' No. 1 team, and the duo hit its stride just as the season was coming to a premature end.
Brown and Emmerling beat their opponents from Arizona Christian and Benedictine Mesa on March 6, leading Master's to the first GSAC wins in program history.
More than a month after the NAIA canceled the spring season to combat the spread of the coronavirus, wiping out TMU's final eight regular-season matches and the GSAC tournament, Emmerling says Brown was the best partner she could have asked for.
"She is the definition of driven and would do anything in her power to get better and constantly pushed me to do the same," Emmerling said. "She is super encouraging and I loved her competitive spirit."
Davis appreciated the fact that Brown "practiced what she preached," always bringing her best effort.
"Not only can she pass and play defense, but she can also hit the ball — hard," Davis said. "I continue to say, 'She is tiny, but mighty.' If anyone deserves to be recognized as one of the best players in our conference, it's Desi."
Ultimately, Master's finished its first year with a winning record, at 5-4, and should enter next spring with most of its roster intact. Davis believes Brown's and Emmerling's best volleyball remains in front of them.
"They are very talented and I expect each of them to learn from their mistakes from this season and be the best pair in our conference next year," she said.
As for 2020, Brown cherished the opportunity to help establish the program's ethos.
"My favorite part was getting to be a part of building the culture, getting to know the girls, and playing good schools with high competition," she said, adding that she was excited and thankful to represent her team on the All-GSAC squad, even if she was a little surprised.
You can add Emmerling to the list of those who were anything but shocked.
"Nobody deserves all-conference more than she does," Emmerling said.
