Griffin Wheatley, SENIOR, has been a starting player on the boys’ volleyball team since his sophomore year. 

Wheatley has been a huge contribution to the success of the team over the past few years. The team made it to the regional finals last season and lost to Moeller on May 29. The heartbreaking ending to their season only fuels the team’s motivation for success this year. 

Wheatley is a captain and plans to lead the team to victory through hard work and dedication.

“I think we have a good shot at doing well this season, we lost a captain and setter last year. The seniors this year will step up and fill those roles,” Wheatley said. 

Wheatley has been playing volleyball since his early childhood years. He is now an outside hitter and is committed to play volleyball at Lincoln Memorial University. 

LMU volleyball is a D2 program in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). The team holds a four-time Independent Volleyball Association (IVA) Tournament Champion title since ‘18. 

“Playing college keeps me focused,” Wheatley said. “I want to play next year and not just ride the bench, so I know I can’t mess around too much.” 

With big plans ahead of him, Wheatley plans to soak up his last high school season and close this chapter of his life on a positive note. 

His contributions on the team and his club team, Cincinnati Attack, are recognized by his teammates, coaches and supporters. 

“Griffin is the type of player that when you see him play, he sets the bar and intensity for what we want to match as individuals,” SENIOR Parker Moyer  said. 

As an outside hitter, he is the lead attacker in the offensive strategy. To be successful in his position, Wheatley must be able to jump high to get balls, be quick on his feet, and be reactive in different situations. 

Wheatley appreciates the importance of precision players must have in each play and the way the team must work as a unit. He recognizes that his talent and leadership have not come easily, but with determination.

“Volleyball has helped me with my work effort, it did not come naturally,” Wheatley said. “I had to put a lot of work into getting where I am today. It’s good to be humbled through mistakes.”