A: I first started playing volleyball when I was about 12 years old. I wanted to play volleyball because it really caught my attention after watching my sister play for her school and for clubs throughout elementary and middle school. Throughout grade school, I played about every sport imaginable, but volleyball was always my first choice. While my sister introduced me to the game of volleyball, Megan Malone was my first coach and by far the person who inspired me the most.

Q: What are the team’s prospects this season, and what role will you play?

A: For this season, we are extremely excited to see what this team can do. We have four stellar senior players, along with some very talented underclassmen. Trinity has been yearning for a state title for a while, and now we feel like we have the team to go all the way!

The great thing about volleyball is that it is a six-man sport, meaning that not only one person can “carry the team.” It is a complete team effort. My only role, aside from my actual position as libero, consists of keeping the team on track, making sure we work together, and making the most out of our senior year.

Q: What is your favorite memory from playing with the volleyball Rocks?

A: My favorite memory from playing with the volleyball Rocks is the bus rides. The bus rides are long, bumpy and extremely uncomfortable, but we make the most out of them. When I was a freshman, the varsity team and I traveled to Indiana to play in a three-team tournament. Our last game was an extremely intense game which we ended up winning. Once the team got to the bus, the cheering started, music blared, and everyone was excited coming off the big win. I particularly remember the song “Don’t Stop Me Now” coming on over the speaker and everyone, including the coaches, were singing their heads off. Being able to have teammates (and coaches) that celebrate each other is huge and a major key to success.

Q: What have you learned about playing volleyball from the coaches?

A: Allow me to start by saying that the coaching staff we have here are elite. Starting with the head volleyball coach, Brian Bowles. Coach Bowles is a great teacher and an even better coach. His passion for the game is clear, and it is conveyed that he wants us to be at our fullest potential. He has taught me to be a team player and a leader. Our assistant/JV coach, Jaclyn (Ohlman), is an amazing volleyball coach and player. She is very knowledgeable about the game and gives great insight. Jaclyn taught me to use my voice, which is an important aspect of volleyball.

In broad terms, volleyball is like a big game of “don’t let the ball hit the floor”; therefore, communication between the six players on the court is crucial. Last, but certainly not least, Larry Newton and Kelly Gillooly are coaches who help and are very beneficial to the team. Coach Newton has a long background of being in the gym, whether that be playing, coaching, or watching his own kids play. Newton has taught me how to be a man of character. Coach Kelly was our former head coach, and she also helps keep us organized. 

Q: What are your plans for playing volleyball after high school?

A: Volleyball is a huge part of my life, so much so that I am currently looking to play at the next level. I am going through the recruiting process now. Today, there aren’t many opportunities for guys to play in college just yet, but the sport has grown 22 percent since 2020! I am positive that the sport will continue to grow, so players will have a chance to compete at the collegiate level. As far as my decision goes, I am still undecided, but I am getting closer to making my decision.

Q: What has volleyball taught you about life?

A: There are plenty of lifelong lessons in volleyball, including lessons like time management, how to work with a team, stepping out of a comfort zone, and much more. One rule that (Coach) Bowles is very passionate about is being on time. For every minute a person is late, the team has to do that many “suicides.” This allows us to organize our time accordingly and hold each other accountable.