The supporter-filled bleachers cheered as the boys volleyball team became conference champions for the first time in 26 years following their May 15 win against Highland Park. This accomplishment is both well-deserved and not surprising because of the talent, dedication, and passion they have displayed throughout the season, winning a total of 26 games and losing six. The team is incredibly gifted in the offensive aspect, but they are also well-balanced on the defensive side of the game.
“This year’s team has many strengths like hitting, passing, and our offensive gameplay,” head coach Andre Shaw said.
This year’s roster includes a mixture of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, each playing an intricate role in the chemistry of the team. “I am proud of every single player this season because of their improvement and dedication,” Shaw said. “I’ve noticed how our sophomores this year are really making their presence known while on the court, which is something rare.”
In addition to becoming conference champions, the team took home the trophy after winning the Homewood Flossmoor Invite mid-season. This was not only a major achievement which led the team toward becoming more confident and competitive, but it also served as an invite that allowed them to showcase their synchronization as teammates, ability to be aggressive offensively, and strength as a team.
“One of my favorite memories from this season was winning the Homewood Flossmoor Invite, which I think is one of the best games we’ve played,” Sophomore Libero Rafael Dan Bartilad said. “We all felt really proud of our team. I also had a lot of fun bonding with the team on the way there.”
Oftentimes, when this year’s players are asked about their favorite parts of the season, they first mention things regarding volleyball, like their accomplishments in games or how they’ve improved throughout the season, but they never fail to mention their teammates in one shape or form.
“We spend a lot of time together at practice, but we still hang out outside volleyball,” Sophomore middle hitter Haktan Erel says, I remember when the whole team came over to my house and watched the NCAA finals.” There is no question that this team values forming strong bonds and friendships that stretch beyond what they have a common interest in. These types of relationships that are encouraged by the coaching staff are part of what sets our boys volleyball team apart from others and increases their chemistry on the court.
It is clear that there is a friendly atmosphere present, but that is not the only factor needed to aid them in winning games. There is also a strong sense of competitiveness that is displayed during both practices and games. “Off the court, we are very brotherly, but while playing, it is super competitive in an encouraging manner,” Junior Kieran Tu said. The team has a balance between friendliness and competitiveness that drives the desire to win—a balance many teams are not able to find.
The team has been successful in many aspects thanks to each player’s contributions, but in particular seniors Laydon Biro, Alex Ford, and Thomas James, who excel both offensively and defensively, take full advantage of their heights, and are technical, valuable players on the court.
While spectators watch their games, they can effortlessly see the chemistry between teammates, but with a closer look, they can see the individual characteristics and contributions of singular players. Coaches Andre Shaw and Allen Tom value both honing of individual skills, which allow the players to shine in their own way, and repeatedly training, with the goal of making the team work together as one. There are many opportunities for players to improve themselves physically during preseason, when they attend lifts or open gyms, but they are also strongly encouraged to give their all during practice to benefit not only themselves but their team as a whole. “If there is one piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen looking to try out or even current players, it would be to take advantage of all of the opportunities we offer, like open gyms and lifts, as they are great opportunities to improve yourself physically and gain game knowledge,” Shaw said.
This year’s team has not only proven that they are capable of winning, but that they are capable of dominating. As the season continues, they will surely not only continue to display their chemistry but also their ability to succeed offensively. Viewers can next watch their impressive game-play on May 20th at 7 p.m. at Lake Forest Academy.
