The new kid on the block made the Mira Costa offensive attack nearly impossible to block.

Grayson Bradford, a senior outside hitter, transferred to Mira Costa from Crespi after his junior season. The UCLA-bound Bradford helped lead the Mustangs to a championship season, culminated by winning the first-ever CIF State Division I title.

“He was a massive physical presence,” Mira Costa coach Greg Snyder said of Bradford. “His attention to detail really stood out to me and what I was surprised about him. I knew he was a really good volleyball player. I didn’t expect the leadership qualities that he had. I hadn’t heard about those traits before he came here.

“He pushed our team to not be stagnant or complacent. When things had a chance to go toward complacency, he made sure the team remained on track and focused.”

Bradford, who stands at 6-foot-11, joined a crowded roster at Mira Costa, so some adjustments had to be made.

“It did add a little bit of an issue because now we had four incredible pins for three spots,” Snyder said. “It did add a logjam in certain spots, but when you have a talent like that (Bradford), you don’t say no. I felt like we were going to be a good team no matter what, but he is a very talented, special player, so when you get the opportunity, you take it.”

Bradford helped the Mustangs to a 37-2 record, winning the Bay League, the CIF-Southern Section Division 1, CIF SoCal Regional and State titles.

In a thrilling five-set Division 1 final against Huntington Beach, Bradford tallied 25 kills in a five-set win.

With high school done and UCLA still a few months away, Bradford was selected to USA Volleyball’s U-21 roster for preparation for the upcoming NORCECA Men’s U21 Pan American Cup and the FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship. Training camp begins late next month.

“I think the ceiling is really high,” Snyder said of Bradford’s next steps in his career. “UCLA feels like a great fit and I think he will fit in great and UCLA will get a great player. I won’t be surprised of any success he achieves. I think he’s capable of achieving anything that you put in front of him.”

COACH OF THE YEAR

Chris Kwan, North Torrance: Kwan led the Saxons to their first league title in 18 years.

North went 8-0 in the Pioneer League and into the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs. North posted a 27-10 record and advanced to the semifinals.

In 2024, North lost in the second round of the Division 4 playoffs.

“Every year we’ve gotten better,” Kwan said before the start of the playoffs.. “I didn’t think we could win league, but things started progressing and falling into place and things started bouncing our way and we made our own luck.”

ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM

Outside hitter — Drake Harris, Peninsula, Sr.

Middle blocker — Alex Heins, Mira Costa, Sr.

Middle blocker — Bobby Bennett, Redondo, Sr.

Outside hitter — Thatcher Fahlbusch, Mira Costa, Sr.

Libero — Nathan Burns, El Segundo, Sr.

Setter — Andrew Chapin, Mira Costa, Sr.

ALL-AREA SECOND TEAM

Outside hitter — Dylan Pilkvist, El Segundo, Sr.

Middle blocker — Wyatt Davis, Mira Costa, Jr.

Middle blocker — Kyle Boger, Peninsula, Sr.

Outside hitter — Mateo Fuerbringer, Mira Costa, Soph.

Outside hitter — Ryan Pilkvist, El Segundo, Sr.

Opposite — Carter Mirabal, Redondo, Jr.

Libero — Cole Aratani, North Torrance, Jr.

Setter — Shane Friedman, Redondo, Sr.

ALL-AREA THIRD TEAM

Outside hitter — Charles Nakamura, North Torrance, Sr.

Middle blocker — Elijah Tualaulelei-Malele, Carson, Fr.

Middle blocker — Travis Donahue, Torrance, Sr.

Outside hitter — Cooper Keane, Mira Costa, Sr.

Opposite — Cash Essert, Redondo, Jr.

Libero — Brady Gonnerman, Palos Verdes, Soph.

Setter — Christopher Nguyen, North Torrance, Jr.