The Pace boys volleyball team is entering the 2025-26 season feeling confident. They have high expectations and a lot of returning players. Head coach O’Sullivan said the “team is in a better position than last year.”
The team did really well last season. They made it to the playoffs, though they did not expect to go that far.
One big difference from last season is that the team has a lot of experienced players. This sets them in a good position to be able to develop the new players for the next year.
There are new players joining the boys’ volleyball team. Coach O’Sullivan is really excited about a transfer named Skye. Skye plays outside hitter and has a lot of experience playing volleyball outside of school.
The team is also getting interest from sophomores who want to learn the sport and help.
Coach O’Sullivan explained that this year it feels like they do not have to build the team from the ground up, but that she can focus on more tactical strategies.
Junior Gerardo Servin, captain of the boys’ volleyball team, will be an important player this season. Servin is especially excited for some of the tougher matchups this season, including Seward Park, the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last year. “I’m really excited to play Seward,” Servin said. “They knocked us out of the playoffs last year, so we’re looking forward to that game.”
Junior Carmelo Hitt is focused on improving this season. Hitt has been on the team since his freshman year and is working hard outside of school practices by going to open gyms and training on his own. “I’m working to improve by making sure I participate in open gyms and getting the practice I need,” Hitt said.
Hitt will play setter this season, but he also practices hitting and could play other positions if needed. His motivation comes from the enjoyment he gets from the sport. “One of the reasons I started playing was because I had a really good time,” he said.
As one of the players on the boys’ volleyball team, Hitt had also wanted to be a leader. With younger players joining the team, he believes it is important to guide them and help the team succeed.
Coach O’Sullivan said the team wants to have a solid regular season and then to see what the future holds.
Servin expects to mainly play outside hitter and hopes the team can build on last year’s success. His goal is not only to win games, but also to help the program continue to grow.
“My goal is to make sure we place well and potentially get to the finals,” Servin said. “We also want to keep developing the team so younger players can take over after us.”
Servin believes the team also needs to improve its mindset to reach its full potential. “One of the main things we need to improve is mentality,” he said. “We have new players and new opportunities, but we also have to stay focused and not think we’re better than we are.”
To build better chemistry, Servin says the team needs repetition and honest effort. “We have to keep going over our weaknesses and strengths and understand that we can still get better,” he said.
With experienced players returning, strong leadership, and a desire to improve, the boys volleyball team is hoping to turn last year’s success into an even deeper playoff run this season.
