Cage Gonzalez (12) is a senior at Aliso Niguel who demonstrates amazing talent on the volleyball court.
Cage is Aliso Niguel’s captain at exactly 6’ and around 134 pounds. The main positions he plays are Libero, Middle Blocker and Setter. His jersey numbers are both #21 at Aliso Niguel and at Orange Coast Volleyball Club (OCVC).
Aliso’s boys volleyball program is currently coached by Miguel Monterola, one of the head coaches for OCVC, and Joshua Gillebaard (12).
OCVC is a Boys and Girls Club located in Ladera Ranch. Most, if not all, students at Aliso who play volleyball attend this popular club, most saying that it has honed their skills and makes them play to the best of their abilities.
Last season in his junior year, Cage’s record was 18-11 with a State rank of 40 and a National Ranking of 67.
Cage was introduced to the sport because his sister also played volleyball and eventually became a volleyball coach herself. She convinced Cage to try it out and he instantly fell in love with the sport.
When asked about his coaches, Cage commented, “The coaches are amazing, honestly without them I wouldn’t be in the place that I am today. They have helped me improve massively.”
Cage has consistently played Volleyball for four years, starting when he was 14 years old in his freshman year.
This year is Cage’s last year playing for Aliso, but it hasn’t had the greatest start so far. Aliso’s record so far is one to five. Winning a game against Capo Valley and losing to St. Margaret’s, Corona del Mar, Edison and Jserra twice.
Aliso hasn’t played a League game yet, but their first will be held on March 12 against Trabuco Hills. Cage plans on showing off his talent by beating Trabuco in their first league game.
Cage has a passion for playing volleyball because of the constant action and attention to detail needed to play.
Cage comments about the team, “I love the atmosphere. Everyone is on the same page and all have the same goals of what we want for our season. Also we have amazing chemistry and I would just say we’re locked in every day.”
Along with Cage, Joshua Gillebaard (12) #18 is another senior who also leads the Aliso Niguel team. Josh, along with Cage, plays three positions, Middle Blocker, Outside Hitter and Libero.
So far, Cage is planning to continue to play after high school and throughout college but shares that he hasn’t found a school that is right for him.
For the younger kids and students in the lower grades, Cage says having fun is the most important part, to enjoy it and not to take anything too seriously.
All in all, Cage is an outstanding player who has a bright future and season ahead of him. He hopes to lead his team to victory in his final year at Aliso.
