The Boys Volleyball team began its 2025 season on February 17 with try-outs. This will be the first year in program history that they are able to field 3 teams, adding a Level 3 team this year. The growth of this sport at Valor mirrors the growth of boys volleyball in the state of Colorado and the nation.
This year's Varsity team is a great balance of returners and new additions. Leading the way are Seniors Darren Wright, Justin Barwind and Lincoln Jessen. Wright will run the offense as the team's starting setter. This will be his 3rd year on Varsity. Barwind will be a force at the net both hitting and blocking and will be a primary passer, a newer skill that he has worked diligently to master. Jessen will anchor the defense as a middle blocker and is poised to be a dominant force both offensively as well. Rounding out the senior class is Mason Walters, who will be this year's Libero. This is a new position for Walters this year, but his ball control was solid at the end of last season, so stepping into this role is not a surprise.
Another key returner is Junior Reed Fisk. He will be playing exclusively outside hitter this season as he transitioned from middle blocker half way through the 2024 season. Fisk will be a key piece in the offense as a primary passer and hitter. He can also contribute points at the net blocking and from the serving line. Fellow Junior, Ted Ranzon, will fill the role as the other starting middle blocker opposite of Jessen. Ranzen is also an effective hitter and blocker so having 2 solid middles will make match-ups for opponents tough.
Rounding out the Varsity squad are Pin hitters Jaden Nelson and Caleb Conway and Setter Renn Bailey. All three will be integral parts of the team's success this season and they make Valor a very deep team. JV players Wyatt Rocha and James Lassaso will swing up and also have the chance to contribute a great deal this year.
When asked about the season, Head Coach Scott Peluso says, "We are poised for a great year. The boys have put in the work on and off the court. We have excellent chemistry and that is one of our greatest strengths. We are a very physical team and have more depth than most teams in the state.I love the balance of this team. Offensively, we have hitters that can hit all along the net which should make it very tough for opposing defenses. Defensively, we have some big blockers and a back row that is very scrappy. I am excited to get the season started and see how we match up with other teams in the state. The aspect of this team that I am enjoying the most is the high character that these boys display. They work hard on and off the court and are great representations of Valor embodying all that we are called to represent. I am looking forward to a great season with these amazing young men and am excited to see what God is going to continue to do in our program."
The Eagles open up at home on Saturday, March 1 against Castle View at 12:00 PM.
