As the second season of Academic Magnet Men’s Volleyball comes around, feelings are good and expectations are high. A new coaching staff, a more experienced squad, and a promising freshman class all contribute to the improvements the team has made this offseason. Described as the “most electric sport at Magnet” make sure to attend a game.
Meet the New Coaches
Now introducing the new star of the show, the man in charge: Coach Sayvon.
“I was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. I graduated from Seneca High School. After high school, attended The College of Charleston to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. While in College, I was involved in various organizations: Student Ambassadors, Call me Mister, and the College of Charleston Men’s Club Volleyball team. I am currently in my second year of teaching Third grade English at Pepperhill Elementary School. In the near future, I plan to pursue my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership to become an administrator.”
Now introducing Coach’s Trusty sidekick: Coach Cat.
“I have been playing volleyball for 13 years. When I am not working as a Crime Analyst for the City of Charleston’s Police Department, you can find me playing beach volleyball at Santi’s or playing in grass volleyball tournaments through Chucktown volleyball! This is my third year assistant coaching the sport; I was previously a player and assistant volleyball Coach at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City while getting my Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.”
Meet the Team
Starting with the freshmen on the team, we have Trig Northup and Tennyson Broadhurst. Trig plays backrow, and brings both a youthful, positive spirit and his ability to return serves with precise accuracy. Tennyson has stepped right into the starting lineup at outside hitter in his first year of the sport. He has found his way to start due to his innate talent for precise hitting and his high volleyball IQ.
The Sophomore class is a promising group in high numbers; a class to watch out for as the future of the program. The class is composed of 4 first year players: William Sander, Luke Nestleroad, Riley Shelly, and Kyler Richardson; and 4 returning players: Paul Simmons, Ben Hynes, Daniel Huang, and Justin Mathis. William, Riley, and Kyler all show talent at the position of middle hitter; showing a knack for blocking and hitting. Luke, as a first year player, has impressively stepped up into the starting lineup playing back row and libero. Our returning sophomores came back stronger than ever. Daniel and Justin have continued to develop their skills in the back row and are key leaders for sideline cheers and spirit. Paul Simmons continues to be an essential part of the team, playing at middle and setter on occasion. Ben Hynes is coming off a successful club season and proves to be a star in the Charleston Area due to his powerful hits from the outside and his knowledge for the game.
The list of Juniors in the team is short and sweet, being just Mercer Bundis. He transferred from rival program, Wando High School, for the volleyball program first and academics second. He quickly found his way as a leader on the team as starting setter.
The team is captained and led by the three Seniors: Nate Markin, James Prutting, and Wyatt Mahoney. Nate plays a key role in the back row due to his flexibility, athleticism, and ability to jump around the court in a quick fashion. He returns to the team as a captain and libero. James, also nicknamed “JP” , contributes his elite blocking and hitting from the right side of the court. He is also well known for his lengthy pre-serve routine, mimicking that of his basketball free-throw routine.
Make sure to come see a game! The remaining schedule is below.
9/11 at Oceanside
9/13 vs Waccamaw
9/18 at Bishop England
9/20 vs Bridges Preparatory
9/25 vs Oceanside
9/27 at Cathedral Academy
10/2 vs Cathedral Academy
10/4 at Waccamaw
