The expectations have changed for the Warrenton boys volleyball team after its first couple weeks of practice. Led by Coach Jake Brown, the Warriors are aiming for a promising inaugural season. 

“We have so many good athletes, so we’re really hoping to be competitive with a lot of teams,” Brown said. “The kids are really buying in and we’ve been working really hard on the fundamentals, but also on the team structure and how the game works.” 

This year, the program has 15 players and will compete in the varsity and junior varsity levels. Because of the roster size, there will be several players who will participate on both teams. Many players come in with prior experience even though they are participating with a first-year program at Warrenton. 

Brown noted that sophomore Matthew Faubion plays select volleyball, while freshman Lucas Payne has a solid recreational background. Additionally, several juniors and seniors have experience competing in sand volleyball tournaments, even winning a few over the summer.

“It’s a different experience, but it’s some kind of experience,” Brown said when asked about the sand volleyball group. 

Instead of holding tryouts, the Warriors dove straight into practice, emphasizing fundamentals and game strategy right from the start.

“We’ll start practice by getting a lot of touches on the ball. In the second half of practice, we’re working on all the game strategy and all that good stuff,” Brown said. 

One of the key aspects Brown is instilling in his team is a culture of positivity. The Warriors have a unique tradition where, at the end of each practice, they go around the circle and highlight something another teammate did well.

He noted the team also has a no cursing rule, and they often try to encourage each other. 

“We have really positive attitudes. We’ve been talking a lot about that and really drilling it into them about staying positive and picking each other up,” he said. “I’ve been amazed at how great they’ve been around each other.” 

Beyond the court, the program will also look to immerse itself with a couple of service projects with Oak Pointe and city trash pickup. 

The Warriors will also have help from their two managers, Chandler Blondin and Grace Ruediger, both of whom played for the Warrenton girls volleyball team. 

“It helps with them both being volleyball players and (Blondin) is going to be a college volleyball player, so her being around and helping us with some things has been really good,” Brown said. “She actually ran some stations for us during our first week of practice.” 

With 10 upperclassmen on the team, Brown has seen a few different players show some leadership on the court. 

“I do see some leaders, not any names to mention yet, but there’s some kids working really hard towards that,” he said. “We’re junior and senior heavy, so those guys have been on the football team and they know how it looks to lead.” 

The Warriors will begin their first season of volleyball against Timberland at 5 p.m. on March 21 at home. 

“They’re excited, a little giddy and a little nervous,” Brown said. “We’ve been talking about being a sponge, so they’ve been sponging up everything and soaking in all the information. It’s a lot to learn when you’re starting a new program, so we’re enthusiastic.”