The boys volleyball team during their game. Photo by Ana Kerr.
Already in gear, Malden High School’s boys volleyball team is ready to succeed and make this a memorable season. With it being only the second year for MHS’ volleyball team, it consists of different goals and different team members. This year’s boys volleyball team is led by captains junior Germano Fidelis and senior Lin Wunna.
Players have left, but many have come to make new memories and make a name for the team. Although many of last year’s members have now graduated, this year’ team still consists of a talented pool. Various players on the team are made up of basketball players, returning volleyball players as well as new members. Junior Nathaniel Ilebode mentioned that he “wanted to get out of [his] comfort zone and play a different sport besides basketball.” Ilebode added that the team is made up of a great group of players so it is a great way to start off his first year playing volleyball.
The team is anxious and excited about the upcoming season. Last year their record was 7-9. This year they are aiming to have a record of 10-10 so that they have a chance of being able to compete in the state championship.
Returning member sophomore Manuel Quesada Nylen sees a significant amount of improvement for not only the team but for individuals as well. He explained that “[he has] definitely improved from last year.” Now “[he gets] playing time, [he makes] less mistakes than [he] used to, and [he makes] smarter plays.”
With a new coach, Dan Jurkowski, the team has a great vision for the season. Expectations and goals are set high for the team. Jurkowski stated that the players “are a group with many different backgrounds and experiences, and coming together as a team has been a fun process.”
Jurkowski continued, “This year, Wunna and Fidelis really stood out with their willingness to lead the team on and off the court.” With a mutual agreement between Jurkowski and the team, they chose Wunna and Fidelis to lead the team this season.
With three games already down and many more to come, the boys are ready are driven to be able to qualify for the state championship.
