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Building the Pride: The Journey of Penn High School's Boys Volleyball Team

Spring Recap Series

23 August 2025 at 3:46:11 pm

IN

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Title: Building the Pride: The Journey of Penn High School's Boys Volleyball Team

Introduction:
The story of Penn High School's boys volleyball team this season is one of grit, growth, and camaraderie. Under the guidance of Coach Kelley Watts, these players took on the challenge of starting the program at the end of January, learned new positions and strategies, and came together as an unstoppable force on the court. Their journey is a testament to their dedication, determination, and sheer physical prowess, marking another successful season for the team.

Season Highlights:
This year, every boy found his place in the team. Whether it was discovering how to play new positions and defenses, mastering the art of the perfect set, or improving their level of attack, these boys committed wholeheartedly to enhancing their skills. Their transformation from a group unfamiliar with the rules of rotation and how to effectively utilize three touches on their side to a formidable team, is incredibly laudable. Notably, the season saw the team overcoming their early defeat against Elkhart, using it as a turning point to amp their concentration and level of play. Signature victories against SB St. Joe and Morgan Township were defining moments, lifting their confidence and showcasing the potential of this promising team.

Stellar Players and Skill Development:
Many players shone this season, each bringing unique strengths to the team. Among them, BJ Forbes was vital, transferring his android knowledge of the sport to other members. Newcomers to the position of setters, Jacoby Forbes and Aidan Radkowski, showed exceptional focus and determination, while the trio of Liam Carter, Kaiden Rojas, and Christian Bonner impressed with their skills as middle hitters and blockers. Outside hitters, Kellan Whitehouse and Logan Warner upped their game dramatically. Will Selis stood out as the Libero with his commitment towards understanding the court dynamics.

Overcoming Challenges:
In the face of challenges such as injuries and key players being unavailable due to other sporting commitments, the team showed remarkable resilience. Emblematic of their tenacious spirit was their win at the Elkhart Round Robin without four of their starters, illustrating an ability to rise above adverse circumstances.

Senior Class Contribution:
The graduating seniors, BJ Forbes, David Esguerra, and AJ Sears, led with tremendous enthusiasm, resilience, and skill. Their individual contributions and the unique experiences they brought to the table helped shape the team synergy.

Looking to the Future:
With the majority of this year's lineup returning, Coach Watts is excited about the future of the program. The team, eager to practice and improve, is a testament to their love for the sport. As more students in the school observe their performance, the team is likely to grow in its roster, potentially forming a Varsity, JV, and Freshmen team.

Offseason Preparation:
Apart from adding more players, the team plan to focus on improving the basics in the offseason. This strong foundation will allow them to focus on advanced strategies during the season, setting the stage for another thrilling performance next season.

Conclusion:
In the face of adversity, Penn High School's Boys Volleyball Team carried forward with unyielding perseverance, setting a high bar for the future of the program. As the players continue to strive for excellence, much anticipation surrounds their progress and achievement in the coming season. These young athletes have not only blossomed into formidable volleyball players, but have also shown that the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork can conquer any obstacle.

You can follow their journey and stats on their [MaxPreps](https://www.maxpreps.com/in/mishawaka/penn-kingsmen/volleyball/boys/) page.

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