The newest sport introduced at Park Hill South is boys volleyball, but they are more focused on building a foundation before setting expectations.
The Panthers’ boys volleyball team will join other programs already established throughout Missouri in the second season under MSHSAA discretion.
“Because it is a new program, a lot of what we are doing is focusing on building a strong culture and foundation for the future,” said head coach Zac Coughlin. “How we begin the program is what the program will become, so we are working hard to develop work ethic and character in all we do.”
While the sport is new for many players, it is not new for the coaching staff. Coughlin, who has coached volleyball for the past 22 years, takes the reigns of the boys program with previous experience coaching varsity girls volleyball and most recently served as an assistant for the girls volleyball team last fall. He is assisted by Seth Bass, former boys volleyball coach at Northland Christian Academy.
The Panthers kept 25 players in the program after a little more than 30 boys showed up for the inaugural tryouts. Coughlin would have liked a smaller roster but opted to make more room since there are nine seniors who won’t be around next year.
“We are extremely athletic and should have a strong offense,” Coughlin said. “We have strong hitters across the front and some great back-row attacking as well. Our middles are athletic and should help us block on the pins and in the middle.”
The Panthers will lean on Kaori Dunham to supply some of that offensive power as a setter and back-row player. Aiden Wallace will lead the Panthers as a libero with great hands and the ability to get to a lot of tough shots.
Park Hill South will begin its maiden voyage with 17 regular-season games, including a home date on April 10 against reigning fourth-place state finisher St. Michael the Archangel.