The boys volleyball team is enjoying a remarkable turnaround this season, putting up a 30-6 regular-season record after struggling in recent years. Following seasons of disappointment and underperformance, the team has found its rhythm, showcasing its growth and determination on the court.

In its match against Nicolet, on Oct. 21, the team determined its fate as conference champions.

Due to the success of the team, there is a new intensity in the team during practices and games.

As Jake Knoblock, one of the senior captains said, “Coach hasn’t changed practice much, but he says that we have to practice like a championship-level team.”

This level of intensity pushes them every day to reach their full potential.

Confidence is also a crucial factor in both team and individual success, and for the boys volleyball team, it has been a driving force behind their turnaround this season. At the start of the year, the team’s confidence was understandably low, weighed down by the lackluster performances of previous seasons. However, as the season progressed and they began stringing together victories, that narrative started to change. The momentum from each win fed their growing belief in themselves, both as individuals and as a team.

With every match win, their confidence grew, transforming their mindset from one of uncertainty to one of expectation.

Kylin Fantin another key player on the team said, “Throughout the season our confidence has definitely improved because of our success.”

Along with confidence, team cohesion plays a critical role in having a successful season, and it’s often the glue that
holds a team together in both the good times and the tough ones. In every team sport, from volleyball to soccer to
basketball, having a group of players who are close-knit and comfortable around each other is essential not only for
improving performance but also for fostering a winning culture. When teammates feel connected, they naturally
trust one another, and this trust is a cornerstone of team success.

In sports like volleyball, where coordination and quick decision-making are key, team cohesion ensures that players are in sync, both mentally and physically.

Aleklsey Mikhailenko said, “The coach had emphasized team bonding and honest communication both on, and off
the court, which has made us feel more connected and motivated.”

The leadership from players like Knoblock, Fantin, and Mikhailenko, along with coach’s emphasis on practicing like champions has instilled a renewed sense of purpose.