In an exciting turn of events for the Harvard-Westlake girls volleyball program, Morgan Wijay has been appointed as the new head coach. The former Bishop Alemany coach brings over a decade of experience and a profound commitment to bringing the Wolverines back to national prominence. Her hiring, announced on December 30, 2024, marks a return to the very school where Wijay first began her coaching career, creating a full-circle moment filled with anticipation for the future.
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“I love my Alemany family so much,” said Wijay, reflecting on her previous role. “The players, the administration, the community—it was a hard decision to leave. But I felt that this was the right move for growth. What better place to change than the place you started, your roots?”
A Fresh Start at Harvard-Westlake
Morgan Wijay’s decision to move from Alemany, where she spent ten years building a powerhouse, to Harvard-Westlake is rooted in her growth mindset. Under her leadership at Alemany, the volleyball program flourished with remarkable achievements, including winning back-to-back CIF Southern Section championships in 2021 and 2022. Wijay’s coaching excellence was further recognized with back-to-back CIF Coach of the Year honors during those same seasons. These accomplishments, however, are only a part of Wijay’s extensive coaching resume, which includes four years at Sierra Canyon, where she led the Trailblazers to three CIF-SS finals.
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But now, she finds herself drawn back to the institution that launched her career. Wijay was part of the Harvard-Westlake coaching staff in 2008 when the team won the CIF State championship. This experience at the helm of a state champion program only fueled her desire to return and bring Harvard-Westlake’s volleyball team back to its elite status.
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“It was a very elite program when I was there,” Wijay explained. “It was the school you went to for girls volleyball. And I’m excited to get it back to that place. They have the resources, they have the ability to pull in some really great talent, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
The Mission Ahead: Elevating the Program
The 2024 season was a challenging one for Harvard-Westlake. The Wolverines finished in fourth place in the Mission League, with a 13-15 overall record and a 2-8 record in league play. In 2023, they were also fifth in the league with a 9-18 overall record. These results, though disappointing, serve as a foundation upon which Wijay intends to build.
“I’m really excited to be back, to be a part of the rebuilding process,” Wijay said. “The program has everything it needs to be successful. The resources are there. The talent pool is there. It’s all about creating the right environment and getting the team to believe in what we’re doing. I want to bring a sense of pride back to the program.”
The key to her strategy, Wijay emphasized, is instilling a sense of pride and focus in the players, which will help them to rise to their potential. “I want the players to walk around with their heads high and represent the school in the best way possible,” she said. “We need to be locked in, not just for success, but for representing Harvard-Westlake in the way it deserves.”
Legacy and Influence: A Coach with Depth
One of the most compelling aspects of Wijay’s return to Harvard-Westlake is the wealth of experience she brings with her. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a knack for developing successful teams and cultivating players who can succeed at the highest levels. Her success at Alemany, where she led the Warriors to consecutive CIF Southern Section championships, speaks volumes about her ability to build a championship-caliber program.
Additionally, her tenure at Sierra Canyon, where her teams made it to three CIF-SS finals, provided her with invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. That experience will serve her well as she seeks to elevate the Harvard-Westlake program to new heights.
“I want the girls to understand what it means to be part of an elite program,” she shared. “It’s not just about winning championships, but about creating a culture of excellence that lasts for years to come.”
As the director of Supernova Volleyball, a competitive volleyball club, Wijay remains deeply connected to the volleyball community outside of the high school ranks. But despite her involvement in club volleyball, she continues to value the unique challenges and rewards that high school volleyball brings. She expressed excitement about the opportunity to return to coaching high school athletes and to develop young players who could one day play at the collegiate level.
Family Ties: A Legacy of Volleyball Excellence
Wijay’s connection to volleyball runs deep, both professionally and personally. Her daughter, London, is a former Alemany player who now competes as a sophomore outside hitter for the USC women’s volleyball team. London’s impressive early career at USC includes being named a four-time Pac-12 Freshman of the Week during her first season with the Trojans. As an accomplished player in her own right, London’s influence will likely extend to Harvard-Westlake’s program.
Wijay anticipates that London and possibly other current collegiate players will interact with the high school team, offering advice, guidance, and inspiration to the next generation of athletes. “London will always show her face,” said Wijay. “Having athletes who are just a few years removed from high school, who understand the challenges these girls are going through, is incredibly powerful. It can motivate them to push themselves and see what’s possible.”
With her extensive coaching background, her daughter’s success, and a clear vision for the future, Wijay is poised to breathe new life into Harvard-Westlake’s girls volleyball program.
Looking Ahead
As Wijay steps into her new role, she has set her sights on turning Harvard-Westlake into an elite program once again. Her approach is grounded in fostering a strong team culture, instilling pride in the players, and utilizing the resources available at the school. With her extensive experience and a proven track record of success, it’s clear that Wijay has what it takes to rebuild the program and lead the Wolverines to the top.
In the coming seasons, the Harvard-Westlake volleyball team will likely experience a resurgence under Wijay’s leadership, with players who are dedicated not only to winning but to restoring the pride and excellence that the program was once known for. This is a new chapter in the storied history of Harvard-Westlake volleyball, and under Wijay’s guidance, the best may yet be ahead.
Her ultimate goal is clear: to once again make Harvard-Westlake the place to be for elite girls volleyball in Southern California. With her wealth of experience, passion for the sport, and deep ties to the volleyball community, there’s little doubt that the Wolverines are in capable hands.
