The boys volleyball season is in full swing, holding a record of 4-4 with four more games left to go. With a tough start to the season, senior Parker Sloan said he has high hopes for the remainder of the season and only sees the team continuing to improve.
“Our first two game nights, we didn’t take home a win, but we played well, considering that most of the guys had never played before,” Sloan said. “We swept last week, so that was really enjoyable, and I can only see us going uphill from here.”
Sloan said he had played in a sand volleyball league with his mom, sparking his interest in the sport. When he saw the school was starting a team his sophomore year, he said he wanted to give it a shot.
“When I noticed that there was a new team starting at [school], I decided to give it a try, and I fell in love with the sport and have loved playing ever since,” Sloan said.
Not only does Sloan play for the school, but he also plays for the all-boys United Volleyball Club. Sloan said the club has given him many connections that will last a lifetime.
“My favorite part about the club is just the team and the teammates; some of my best friends are from my club team,” Sloan said. “My roommate for K-State [next year], is one of my teammates, and you create a bond with these guys that you wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Sloan said he enjoys playing middle for his club team while playing outside hitter for the school, but will play anywhere on the court.
“Being able to own the entire court, [as] a middle, you’re all over the court, so it’s enjoyable to be able to hit all over and our club team needed an extra middle [so] being able to fill that role was rewarding,” Sloan said. “For the school’s season, I play outside, which is even more rewarding [getting] to play through the back row as well, which allows me to pass and set, so it’s been a lot of fun this year.”
With all sports, challenges arise. Sloan said it’s a mental game and keeping a good attitude is vital.
“I think what is important is keeping a good mentality on the court, often we’ll [get into] slumps or go a few points while making a couple errors, but as long as you can stay positive and bring energy to your teammates, then you start to see that things start working out,” Sloan said.
Sloan said his passion comes from the fun of the game and getting to learn it more alongside others.
“What makes me passionate about volleyball is just how much fun it is, you don’t even have to be good, you just get a group of buds and you head to the courts and it’s always just a bunch of fun,” Sloan said.
Sloan encourages anyone considering the sport to give it a try.
“If you’re thinking about playing volleyball, definitely go out and do it,” Sloan said. “It’s a lot of fun and you don’t have to be good, you don’t have to know how to play, just get out there and have some fun.”
