As spring approaches, the boys volleyball team is gearing up for another exciting season. Last year’s season was solid: Evanston finished 21-18 in the regular season and lost to an excellent Loyola team in the regional finals. This being said, the Kits have finished in that spot the last three years and are hoping to finally break through. Going into a fresh season, fifth year Head Coach Stanley Antoine is exuberant for what is to come.

“Every year we set the goal of winning State. 3 years ago, it was one of those far-fetched goals, but we’ve been putting in work in the off-season and in the last two years. So now, saying winning State is definitely attainable,” said Antoine.

The team lost 11 seniors last season, and while this would be devastating for most teams, they don’t see it as a major problem.

“We know we have a lot of talented players from freshman all the way to seniors, so we’re just excited about this competition and this opportunity,” said Antoine. “Everyone has had a fantastic off-season. We worked hard.”

It’s clear that this team has a lot of talent, but taking all of these athletes and creating one cohesive unit has been difficult. 

“It felt like the team was divided sometimes, and we had a lot of disagreements that kind of held us back,” said senior Stephen Hobbs, who is going to be a prominent player on this year’s varsity squad. “That led to us not having as good of a team chemistry as we could’ve.”

Building team culture is going to be a huge focus going forward. Being able to manage the tempers, personalities and the needs of the athletes is something that is crucial for any hopes of succeeding this season.

“Specifically our culture and our community. I do think as we develop and become better players, we also have to become better humans,” remarked Antoine on his values as coach.

Evanston boys volleyball will start their season on March 28th, travelling to Chicago for the Marist Redhawk Invitational tournament.