Anderson High School now officially has a boys volleyball team, giving students a new way to compete and represent their school. After students pushed for the program, the new team will be coached by Nicholas Rosenow and Jamar Brown, with practices beginning on Feb. 16. With tryouts approaching, students are excited to see what the future team will look like.
Multiple male students around the school were asking if there would be a chance of a boys volleyball team anytime soon. Ronnie Jones, an active athlete at AHS, was one of the students who pushed the idea. “Volleyball just looks fun, I’d seen the girls team, and I just really want to play volleyball,”Jones said, being inspired by the girls team. Their petition was presented to the athletic director but initially denied due to the need for equal boys and girls sports. However, after persistence from students, the program was approved, showing that students voices can make a difference at Anderson High School.
Mr. Brown has decades of experience in coaching all kinds of sports. “I coached football for 33 plus years, wrestling, girls basketball, and track,” He stated. Even though he has no experience with coaching volleyball, he is willing to learn for the future team. “What do I know about volleyball? Not much,” Brown admitted “but I am a physical guy, I’ve had many battles myself and what I do know is how to read, watch videos, study, and learn.”
Although there is excitement for the new team, there are still a few roadblocks. With the season right around the corner, most teams have already have their whole season planned out, leaving little openings for games and scrimmages. “We’ve still got long ways to go,” Brown mentioned.
With such a short amount of time before the season begins, dedication will play a major factor in the team’s success. There are many students who play spring sports, like Jones. “ If it has to come down to it, track will come first,” he stated. Brown was worried something like this would happen. “My concern is dedication with them because they’re currently dealing with other sports, i.e. track, baseball, and when we come with volleyball, there’s not they have to make a decision on which one, but if they want to do both is a big commitment, and I’m not sure if they’re committed enough to do this.”
Despite these challenges, more than 30 students have already showed up to the callout meeting, all of them showing interest in the program. As the team prepares for its first season, both coaches and players are curious on how this season will go.
