Recently at Stevenson, a new club has arrived that fills the niche for male students looking to play volleyball in a fun, low stakes environment after school.
This club was started by William Loftis ’25, and he said the club seeks to be an open space to play. The team will start practice in March,. Currently men’s volleyball is not yet a recognized high school sport; however, starting next year, the sport will become more of a norm.
Club advisor Ronald Pinto said he is happy to see the sport get some appreciation and he’s excited to see the club start at Stevenson.
“I think volleyball is a great sport,. I always watch it a lot,” Pinto said. “I think Volleyball Club is going to be great because it is going to give guys who want to play organized volleyball a chance to play it. It is going to allow them to have something that they can be a part of.”
Ted Misola ’25 said he enjoys the game and has been practicing as he looks to improve his skills in preparation for volleyball club.
“I like how I can just improve. When I started, I didn’t do anything right, like I didn’t know how to set, receive or serve,” Misola said. “But just being consistent with practice and having people to help you, like my friends help me. Just like that hard work really pays off. I am excited for the volleyball tournament here at Stevenson called powder puff.”
Loftis added that he has a deep passion for volleyball. Now with the club he helped start, he can play the game he loves.
“I started a volleyball club here because as a senior, and the news of the NCAA starting official men’s volleyball for high schools in Michigan coming up next year,” Loftis said. “I realized I won’t be able to experience this opportunity again. So, me loving volleyball, pretty much made me start up the club.”
Loftis added how he is also looking forward to starting a club for skilled and competitive volleyball players.
“The goal of this club is to pretty much set a precedent for official men’s volleyball next year for this school,” Loftis said. “And this would give future students more of a chance to compete in the Michigan High School tournaments for volleyball and all that. But right now, I am trying to make it a competitive club where we not only have fun, but we also try to win against other schools this year.”
