Hempfield boys volleyball has had a strong start to the 2024 season. The team started the season off 3-0, which gave the team a big boost of confidence that they hope to carry on for the remainder of the season. Last season the boys finished with a strong 12-5 record, losing in the first round of the playoffs. “Expectations are super high for this season because a lot of other teams’ seniors graduated, and we only lost a few kids.” says junior Nate Biondi libero, who is the back row receiver. 

Under the dedication of Coach Howell the team has spent countless hours in the gym, working on their craft. “The expectations are always to make the playoffs. This is a rather experienced team with a number of returning starters.” says Coach Howell, with high expectations for the team.

Each player brings a unique set of skills to the team, but their ability to work together in unison on the court makes the team even stronger. Sophomore Landon Kalp says, “We have a lot of team chemistry just from getting to know each other outside of volleyball.” As a team, they have a pregame ritual to go out to eat after school.

According to Coach Howell, “The goal this year would be to go deeper into the playoffs than last year.” With a short stance in the playoffs last season, the team has high hopes of making a deeper playoff push. With the help of captains Dom Palmiero, Josh Reiley, and Kolton Butina, hope to lead the team to another successful season.