Volleyball All-Dulles District Player of the Year and Coach of the Year

Four year varsity starter, co-captain Kaitlyn Demitz and head coach of six years Phuong Tat have both received recognitions in the All-Dulles district this season.

Olivia Columbel, Co-Editor-in-Chief • November 15, 2024

With tomorrow’s much anticipated State quarterfinal matchup against James Wood at 5pm, the volleyball team has led this season with 22 wins so far, thanks in large part to the District and Region Player of the Year and District Coach of the Year.

Just three years ago during Kaitlyn Demitz’s freshman season, the team went 14-10 losing in the region semis to Millbrook. Fast forward and she is now not only the District Player of the Year but was just named Region Player of the Year as they head down to Winchester to face off against the Colonel who defeated the Titans 3-1 on August 27th.

“I was super shocked and excited. Since I took almost a year off playing volleyball, I was scared that I wasn’t going to be able to bounce back this season. I was also going up against athletic girls that [have committed to] play in college and have been playing just as long as me that never took a break. So when I heard the news, I was extremely happy, since I put in hard work to get back to where I am now,” Demitz said.

Coach Tat high fiving his players before they line up at the start of the match. (Victor O’Neill)

Leading the program for six years now, Phuong Tat secured his 100th career win this season, after his first ten in Montgomery County, Maryland and the 90 and counting at Dominion.

Tat’s reaction to being named All-Dulles District coach of the year was a moment he wanted to share with his staff alongside him. “I’m honored by that title. But you know, if I had a choice to change that title, I’d change [it to] coaching staff of the year, because really, my staff made that happen as well, too, not just me,” Tat said.

Demitz, also known as #7 on the court, has had a nine year volleyball career, including being a four year varsity player. The right-side hitter has made first team All-District three times, second team All-Region two times, and second team All-State once, not including her recognitions this year. On top of season recognitions she has broken the Dominion record for most kills in a game and broken the record for most kills in a season. The coaching staff has recognized her as the Co-MVP of the 2023 volleyball season and the MVP of the 2024 volleyball season.

Joining Demitz on the first team All-District and first team All-Region this season are seniors Abigail Vasak and Alena Smith. Making the second team All-District are Ingrid Smith, Amaya Bowles, and Juliet Correll.

September 3rd the Titans defeated the Indepence Tigers with a 3-1 win. (Victor O’Neill)

Demitz said, “I feel very content ending my senior year successfully. After choosing to quit club volleyball my junior year and deciding not to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level, I wanted to end my senior year with a bang because this is my final season ever.”

Correll, the starting libero, said about Coach Tat, “I feel as though Coach Phuong being awarded Coach of the year is so deserving. He has really worked hard this season for us because he believes in us as a team. He’s gone out of his way to make us two new jerseys and give us a new walkout, truly demonstrating his passion for the game and our program.”

About the Contributor

Olivia Columbel, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Olivia Columbel is co-editor-in-chief, and is a senior serving her third year writing for DHS Press. She loves to interview teachers and students to highlight fascinating community based features. Olivia is a huge mental health advocate and plans to pursue a masters degree in social work with minors in journalism and spanish. If Olivia is not at Dominion, in a classroom or leading a club meeting, you can find her fast asleep in her own bed, getting food with friends, soaking up the sun, or doing her favorite activity, listening to music.