After years of fighting to be an official sport, the boys volleyball team is finally stepping into the spotlight. For the first time in Minnesota State High School League history, boys volleyball is being played as an officially sanctioned spring sport. With a full schedule, dedicated players and a tight team bond, the Mounds View team is ready to make their mark. 

The road to becoming an official sport was not easy. Initially, the team competed in a statewide club league starting in 2019. Then two years ago, a vote to officially sanction the sport was held, in which boys volleyball lost by one vote. Instead, boys volleyball was classified as an “emerging sport,” giving schools a chance to build programs and gain more support. After another year of club play, a second vote passed in 2023, officially making boys volleyball a sanctioned high school sport for the 2024-25 season. 

The switch from club play to playing as an official sport comes with a lot of positive changes such as more school pride, better organized competitions and more funding and other resources provided by the school. “When [boy’s volleyball] was run as a club team, there were a lot of independent things that you needed to do as a club team. But with the high school league support, we get treated just like any other high school sport, and so we have the full support of the school, and we get to do things like play conference games, and things that all the other sports are to do,” said Head Coach Kessen Anderson. 

With the transition comes heightened expectations. The players no longer represent themselves or a casual club. They represent their school at a high level of play. “Now that it’s an official sport, we have higher expectations. Before, it was kind of whatever, but now we’re more organized, we actually have captains, and we’re expected to take things more seriously,” said junior captain Hazam Haidari. While some aspects, like practices and opportunities for postseason play, existed before, the level of competition has risen. With the change has come new opponents and more meaningful matches, eventually leading to the sanctioned state tournament. 

Despite this increase in expectations, team chemistry has remained a crucial part of the team. While the sport has taken on a more serious tone, the players are intentional about maintaining a culture that balances hard work with enjoyment. “We’re very casual. We like to have fun,” said junior captain Tate Sorensen. “But when it comes down to it, we work hard and try to win.” This balance has been crucial in keeping the team motivated and prepared for the season.

With the level of experience varying throughout the program, the Mustangs have worked to support each other throughout the season. An important responsibility is placed on the more experienced players to help the newer players. “I had five freshmen try out that had never played volleyball before, and so they’re learning really quickly. And they’re on quite a steep learning curve for things, but they’re doing really great. They’re having a lot of fun,” said Anderson. “Our Varsity boys are pretty well versed in volleyball. I have quite a few that play in the club scene in the fall and winter. So they bring that knowledge to their high school team, and which makes everybody better.” Through the inclusive environment, the team is not only building skill, but also cultivating a strong program for the future. 

As the season progresses, the Mustangs have their sights set on more than just participating. They are aiming to compete at the highest level and make a statement in their first official season as a sport. With a strong core of experienced players and a growing group of newcomers, the team hopes to develop consistency and build enough momentum in conference play to earn a spot at the state tournament. Whether it is improving each game, supporting one another or pushing through tough matches, the Mustangs are focused on making this season count.