UC High’s Boys Beach Volleyball Team gives boys an opportunity to improve their physique and strength. With a strong group of experienced players, along with new recruits aplenty, the team has high hopes for the season.
Senior Captain Nathan Shoemaker is looking to help everyone on the team improve, have fun, and enjoy the sport. He said, “I think our team’s goal is to improve as a whole and have fun while we’re doing it. It’s a sport you just want to enjoy and that is all that we are trying to do.”
Senior Zion Granatowicz, who plays both indoor and beach volleyball said, “Our team’s goal is to win the playoffs, since we weren’t able to win the Division One playoffs two years ago. In general, I think we want to take it one step at a time, win each match one by one, and grow overall.”
The biggest challenge that the team has faced this season has been to hone in on particular skills. Head Varsity Coach Mark Salata said, “Sometimes they’re a little distracted, but that’s normal. We are working on improving that by trying to give them very specific instructions in drills so that they can focus on a single task at a time. Every single bit of improvement is really just trying to focus on one skill and trying to improve it over time.”
There have been numerous highlights since the season has started. Granatowicz said, “Our first match was big for us because it was an experience for everyone there. The returning players did well, and our newer players are working on improving.” He added, “That day it was very windy and wind is a huge factor. It really affects one’s play in beach volleyball when having to face natural occurrences. We lost that match, but it was a great learning experience for everybody.”
Sophomore Tyson Bobo said, “I believe this season we are a lot more advanced in our players and we have a lot of new people trying the sport. Just having that many people and a community has been pretty nice.”
The UC High Volleyball Team has produced an impressive season, spiking almost all the competition on the court. When asked for his prediction for the rest of the season, Bobo said, “I believe we’ll have a really good season and win every single game if we put our hearts into it.”
“My prediction for the rest of the season is dependent on how our players respond everyday. If our players focus with intention on every touch and every drill they will improve. I assume we will go into open level which will be very challenging in the playoffs due to the tough teams there. We have a very good chance of winning the championship this year,” said Salata.