![Henry and her team have a tight-knit relationship that affects them both on and off the court. “I think [our relationship] is pretty good,” Henry said. “I’ve coached a couple of them in clubs, so I’ve known them a while, and most of them have been here the whole time I have.”](https://whhscbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_9654-1200x800.jpg)
After months of conditioning, the men’s volleyball season has sprung into action. Veteran players and beginners
alike are excited and hopeful for a season of wins.
“I am looking forward to having a great season and hopefully making it to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference [ECC]
championships,” Bryson Smith ‘29, middle blocker on varsity, said.
With an early season win on March 17, the team is more than ready for competition. Their extensive training has prepared not only their bodies, but also their mindsets.
“Preseason was a lot of open gyms and practicing before games,” Smith said. said. “It was a lot of work, but I
got through it, and it’s good for games.”
Volleyball is a fast paced sport where quick reaction times are vital; it is important to practice and fix any mistakes.
“Our main goal is to win the ECC, but another goal is for all the guys to get better and excel in their season,” Coach
Haley Henry said.
No matter how much practice an athlete puts in, nobody is perfect. Knowing an opponent’s weakness can be a straight line to victory.
“I always try to research the team that we’re playing, that way I can adjust my lineup as needed,” Coach Henry said. “Then we usually practice before our game, we try to focus it towards that team.”
Switching between positions can also help players experiment with their different skills and weaknesses.
“This season I’m looking forward to playing more in the front row, because when I play club, I play a lot in the back
row,” Henry Critser, ‘29, outside hitter and defensive specialist on JV, said. “I’m looking forward to swinging and blocking a lot more.”
Each player on a volleyball team has to have full trust in their teammates; players on the court have to work together to play smart and keep the ball in play.
“I think it definitely helps to have a bunch of people I trust on the court with me, and it’s really nice to play with them,” Critser said.
Having a strong relationship between players and coaches is crucial; building trustworthy friendships within a team makes each win mean even more. Being able to trust players on and off the court can help them play to their strengths.
“I definitely think them being able to come and talk to me about any issues they’re having helps and I think having a good relationship is always important,” Critser said.
In any sport, being able to enjoy playing and having fun leads to a better overall experience.
“[We] make sure that it’s fun; if it’s not fun, then it’s a time commitment,” Henry said. “If you don’t enjoy doing it, then it is going to feel more like a burden rather than something fun.”
No matter the outcome of the season, the men’s volleyball team is looking forward to a period of personal and team
growth.
“Losses are honestly the best thing that can happen because it’s the best way to learn,” Coach Henry said.