Jenna Brodkin
Sports Editor
Senior setter Charlie Fuerbringer was named the 39th annual Gatorade California girls indoor volleyball player of the year on Jan. 8th. The 2023-24 season marked the end of Fuerbringer’s high school volleyball career, in which she led the Mustangs to a CIF Open Division state playoff run.
“I’m honored and grateful to have been selected for this award,” Fuerbringer said. “It’s a goal that I have been working towards my whole high school career so receiving it was a very satisfying moment for me.”
Fuerbringer tallied 1,134 assists and 240 digs, along with 55 blocks and 46 aces this season. According to Redondo Union head coach Tommy Chaffins, her value to the Mustangs’ success this season was apparent.
“Charlie Fuerbringer was the best player on the court in every match I have coached against her or watched her play,” Chaffins said. “Her intellect, competitiveness, athleticism, and decision-making were all A-plus.”
According to Fuerbringer, her teammates on Costa were a major part of her success this season. She attributes her team’s chemistry, defense, and offensive firepower as a great help to her individual play this season.
“Costa has shown me what it’s like to play for not myself, but those around me who have been so supportive and caring,” Fuerbringer said. “My teammates are my family and everything I do is for them. They have brought me to where I am today and I’m so grateful to have had them.”
Besides being named California’s top player by Gatorade, Fuerbringer also earned first team All-American honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and Maxpreps, and was named the national girls volleyball Athlete of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association. Fuerbringer was also selected as a captain in the nationally televised Under Armour All-American game, and won a gold medal with Team USA in the 2023 u19 world championships.
“I knew that if I worked my hardest I could accomplish anything I wanted this season,” Fuerbringer said. “And that’s what I’m doing. I don’t set goals to receive accolades, I set goals to grind.”
Fuerbringer is committed to playing for the University of Wisconsin in the fall. According to Fuerbringer, she hopes to continue to work hard to improve herself as a player as she makes the transition from high school to college play.
“I want to become the best version of myself in every aspect, whether it be mentally or physically.” Fuerbringer said. “I want to prove to myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.”
Looking back on her time as a Mustang, Costa Head Coach Cameron Green believes that her high school career is in the conversation to be “the best in Costa’s history.” According to Fuerbringer, she hopes that her impact on Costa volleyball will inspire other aspiring players in the community.
“This year has made me realize just how much this community cares.” Fuerbringer said. “My hometown means so much to me and I hope I can inspire the young girls in this town.”
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