Credit to Angelee Orozco

Coach Molly Wade, AJ Kincade, John Dittmar and Brandon Puzniak clapping for teammates at home game against LIberty on April 30.

In high school sports, it takes a whole team to win games, not just individuals. Many coaches emphasize encouraging each other, or cheering even if you are on the bench, but the boys’ volleyball program takes ‘team’ to a whole new level. Volleyball is a game of momentum due to playing in sets, and no matter winning or losing, it is always a positive environment. 

“Our momentum this year has really been sparked from how much energy we have,” said senior libero Alex Williams. “On and off the bench, everyone has energy.”

On April 22, the varsity team went to a five set game with the Fort Zumwalt West Jaguars, who sat at a 10-8 record. The Knights knew that motivation was needed after dropping the first two sets to the Jaguars. The Knights ended up coming back to win the game after winning three sets in a row, two of those sets being won by nine points. 

“That was a great game for our team culture,” said junior setter Luke Hollinger. “It really showed that the energy we have can change the game.”

Not only is the varsity team successful throughout their repeated encouragement, but the JV team is as well. Their standout game came against Lutheran South in the Francis Howell Tournament. The standout moment didn’t come from the game itself, but the encouragement of the team and the effect it had on the game. 

“That was easily our best game of the season,” said freshman defense Mikey Jones. “We didn’t get the win, but we just had a lot of energy, which made it fun.” 

A big emphasis this year was to increase team bonding. Even off the court, each team comes together to make a whole program. Whether that is going to get food together after a game or even going to another sports game, they are always together. 

“They really have become best friends, which is what makes the teams so successful,” said JV coach Mayghen Muegle. “They do so much together, which makes us coaches glad.”