Last year, Wilsonville High School launched its first season of boys volleyball from scratch, coached by science teacher and girls volleyball assistant coach, Brian Ramm. It brought together boys of all backgrounds; some who had played volleyball before and others just wanting to try it out for fun.
After a challenging first season, the team is returning with some newcomers to hopefully increase the overall intensity. Coach Ramm is optimistic about the season and shares,
“This season I hope the boys become better at serve-receiving and controlling free balls. On a serious note, I look forward to each day of volleyball because of the players on this team. They are a fantastic group of boys and I’m lucky to be their coach.”
He adds, “Since we are a new program with a lot of first time players, it is important for everyone on the team to understand that our ultimate goal is growth as a player and teammate and not our record at the end of the season.”
This perspective helped form the team’s motto for this year: “Winning is the goal, not the purpose.”
While the team’s primary focus is not simply winning, teammate Payton Blakely, a defensive specialist, explains, “The highlight of the season so far for me is knowing that the team is almost twice as good this year.” The motivation and high expectations of players and coaches alike are sure to help carry this year’s team to success.
This promising group of young athletes have already shown up against both 5A and 6A schools.
The Wildcat’s first home opener against Sherwood was a very close game. The game went to a fifth set, but ultimately, Sherwood took the ‘W’. Coach Ramm follows up in regards to the season so far, “This team has an incredible talent for staying level headed and having fun. We have had some high pressure close games and in each instance of pressure, we are able to stay calm, focused, and joyful.”
Ultimately, Coach Ramm hopes that, “[His team] can say that they are better players than two months ago, and have created stronger connections with other peers in the school. The season was a major success, regardless of record.”
As the program continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that this new sport is making an impact at the high school. With skill, passion, and dedication driving them forward, the boys volleyball program has a bright future and is spiking expectations at Wilsonville.