By: Isabella Langner

People Editor

As LGHS Boys’ Volleyball kicks off its 2025 season, they plan to improve in all ways possible, from tournaments to individual skills. Following a strong 2024 season, the team is sure to succeed.

Last year, the team finished in an impressive second place in Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) Division II, with a record of 11-4. This launched them into Division Iof the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Central Coast Playoffs. Despite their effort, they lost to Evergreen High School in the first round, ending their run. The previous season has fueled motivation for success in the league and CCS playoffs this year, as boys’ volleyball is now in SCVAL Division I. Junior Gracin Ting shared what he is most looking forward to: “We just moved up a division, so hopefully we’ll play against harder teams in Division I.”

Tryouts for LGHS Boys’ Volleyball began on Feb. 7 and lasted through the week. Prior to tryouts, the team hosted open gyms at the school for anyone interested in preseason training. Senior Markus McGrath added, “The team has been coming back to open gyms over the course of the semester, but most of us have been playing club outside of school.” Boys’ Volleyball’s first game is scheduled for Feb. 25 against Archbishop Mitty at home. The official start to league play is Mar. 12 versus Lynbrook at LGHS. 

So far, Boys’ Volleyball is set to play in a tournament at Monta Vista, a competition that they struggled with last season. Junior Sean Slover remarked, “We did pretty bad at tournaments last year, but we won most of our league games. So a goal this year is to do better.”

Ting and McGrath both claimed they are most looking forward to playing Harker High School, a team they did not play against in the 2024 season. From tournaments to bonding at practices to playoffs, the players are excited for the season ahead. “I’m looking forward to team bondings the most,” Slover commented. After a long year of not playing together, LGHS Boys’ Volleyball also looks forward to immersing themselves in the high school season. McGrath shared, “The high school season is just a time to enjoy it with friends and teammates.” For the most part, the roster will remain identical to last year, with a few possible exceptions due to incoming freshmen.

LGHS Boys’ Volleyball has set many team and personal goals. Regarding his goals, Slover said, “My personal goal is to play the best I can. For team goals, I would say make it to CCS.” Additionally, McGrath added, “This year, we will make CCS, but a goal would be to make it farther in [the] playoffs. Last year we got eliminated [in the] first round, but I think this year we can probably go to the semi-finals or quarter-finals.” Boys’ volleyball is excited to begin their 2025 season due to their hard work during the off-season.