Boys Volleyball
On Wednesday afternoon I met with the returning players from the Boys Volleyball team, Coach Margaret Allen, and manager Emily Wheeler (also a star on the girls team). The team was in good spirits and had no issues joking around and ragging on each other.
"This is the normal culture," explained Coach Allen. "These boys are all friends and love to joke around with each other and have fun."
Margaret Allen started the boys team at Winnacunnet 3 years ago and led them tournament last year.
In terms of remote learning, the team shares most of the same opinions as the other teams. "I like it," said Emily Wheeler. "We have the flexibility to work when we want and I feel prepared for my AP tests this spring."
Junior Lucas Schaake said he thinks the AP test format might be weird while Brett Marelli said there are positives and negatives with it all. One thing is constant - everyone misses the social aspect of school!
Coach Allen and the team was really looking forward to this season. "During our open gyms, we had some great young players show up and every player can serve." Apparently in the volleyball world having athletes who can serve before they start is a big deal. They can move on to working on jump serves and developing more power as opposed to focusing on the basics.
"Look around this Google Chat," joked Max Strater. "This is a lobby full of athletes!"
Speaking of athletes, many of the boys playing volleyball are our better basketball players. To me, these sports go hand in hand and while many of them did not play volleyball until high school, they have become very good.
"It's definitely a more relaxed atmosphere," said Brett Marelli.
"It's just a lot of fun," added Lucas.
"I really luck out as a coach," said Coach Allen. "All the boys show up in great shape from fall and winter sports so we can just get right to it."
The boys felt they had a shot to really contend this season along with other top teams like Timberlane, Salem, Windham, Hollis Brookline, and Pinkerton. Lucas Schaake amassed 310 assists last season and according to coach Allen would've had a real shot to hit the milestone of 500 career assists as a junior.
Most of the boys are trying to stay in shape as best they can during this difficult time. Since Lucas has 3 brothers, they typically play 2 on 2 in the driveway when it's nice. Apparently Jack and Josh are up in the series vs. Lucas and Fred - I'm sure they'll get plenty of games in. Brett and Sam both said they've been playing basketball in their driveways while others are trying to get runs in and workout when they can.
Coach Allen offered volleyballs to the players. "You need to get as many touches in as you can," explained Coach Allen. "You can do solo drills, set into a basketball hoop, set against the wall, etc. If you don't have a ball, I will drive by and throw one on your front lawn."
Coach even had her oldest son, Ben create a quick video to show the boys how they can work on their own.
I really enjoyed meeting with this team and the banter they had with each other. I think they're a great group and Coach Allen is right - she is very lucky to have these boys. I hope to see them playing in a month!
"This is the normal culture," explained Coach Allen. "These boys are all friends and love to joke around with each other and have fun."
Margaret Allen started the boys team at Winnacunnet 3 years ago and led them tournament last year.
In terms of remote learning, the team shares most of the same opinions as the other teams. "I like it," said Emily Wheeler. "We have the flexibility to work when we want and I feel prepared for my AP tests this spring."
Junior Lucas Schaake said he thinks the AP test format might be weird while Brett Marelli said there are positives and negatives with it all. One thing is constant - everyone misses the social aspect of school!
Coach Allen and the team was really looking forward to this season. "During our open gyms, we had some great young players show up and every player can serve." Apparently in the volleyball world having athletes who can serve before they start is a big deal. They can move on to working on jump serves and developing more power as opposed to focusing on the basics.
"Look around this Google Chat," joked Max Strater. "This is a lobby full of athletes!"
Speaking of athletes, many of the boys playing volleyball are our better basketball players. To me, these sports go hand in hand and while many of them did not play volleyball until high school, they have become very good.
"It's definitely a more relaxed atmosphere," said Brett Marelli.
"It's just a lot of fun," added Lucas.
"I really luck out as a coach," said Coach Allen. "All the boys show up in great shape from fall and winter sports so we can just get right to it."
The boys felt they had a shot to really contend this season along with other top teams like Timberlane, Salem, Windham, Hollis Brookline, and Pinkerton. Lucas Schaake amassed 310 assists last season and according to coach Allen would've had a real shot to hit the milestone of 500 career assists as a junior.
Most of the boys are trying to stay in shape as best they can during this difficult time. Since Lucas has 3 brothers, they typically play 2 on 2 in the driveway when it's nice. Apparently Jack and Josh are up in the series vs. Lucas and Fred - I'm sure they'll get plenty of games in. Brett and Sam both said they've been playing basketball in their driveways while others are trying to get runs in and workout when they can.
Coach Allen offered volleyballs to the players. "You need to get as many touches in as you can," explained Coach Allen. "You can do solo drills, set into a basketball hoop, set against the wall, etc. If you don't have a ball, I will drive by and throw one on your front lawn."
Coach even had her oldest son, Ben create a quick video to show the boys how they can work on their own.
I really enjoyed meeting with this team and the banter they had with each other. I think they're a great group and Coach Allen is right - she is very lucky to have these boys. I hope to see them playing in a month!
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