Boys Volleyball Returns

After a year-long absence, the Meridian boys varsity volleyball team is back, bringing renewed energy, pride and a fresh start. Once a powerhouse with four state championships, the program was suspended last season due to low participation numbers. However, this season it returns with new faces, high hopes and a hunger to rebuild its legacy.

For many players, this comeback is more than just a game—it’s community and new experiences.

“Being part of this team means community and making new friendships,” said Gavin Hurtado, a senior at Meridian and player on the boys varsity volleyball team. “It’s bittersweet as a senior because I get to experience a new sport, but it will also be my last year experiencing it at the high school level.”

Hurtado’s reflections capture a common theme among the team: a deep appreciation for the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. While this experience is especially touching for seniors, who see this season as both a beginning and an end, the excitement reaches far beyond the upperclassmen. The return of boys volleyball has reignited school spirit and opened doors for players at all levels to contribute to a new legacy.

This renewed sense of purpose isn’t felt by just the seniors—it’s shared with the new players stepping onto the court for the first time. For underclassmen like sophomore Jose Serrano, the return of the program offers both excitement and pressure.

“It feels exhilarating to be on the court playing something I love, but there’s also pressure because people expect a lot from the program’s past success,” Serrano said.

While the past casts a long shadow, the current team isn’t backing down from the expectations. Instead, they’re channeling it into motivation. The return of the program isn’t about mimicking past glories, but rather honoring them while forging a new identity.

“I want to see where my team and I can go,” Serrano said when asked about his hope for the new season. “I just love playing volleyball, and I know that with my team we can do exceptional things.”

As the team looks ahead, that mix of respect for the past and excitement for the future is driving a new culture—one built on effort, growth and unity. Whether it’s seniors soaking in their final season or newcomers embracing the sport for the first time, every player is focused on the same goal: building something to last.

That vision is echoed by the team’s coach, Carlos Rivera, who is committed to more than just wins.

“I wanted to build a legacy, something we can continue for years to come,” Rivera said. “I want the players to enjoy the process, to enjoy playing volleyball. Sure, I want to win—that’s the ideal scenario—but it’s not always about that. It’s about them doing something they enjoy and have a passion for.”

Along with passion for the game, Rivera has a practical focus on small daily improvements.

“It’s not about chasing trophies. It’s about every player getting 1% better every time they step on the court. I need energy. I need teamwork. We’re a group of 13, and we’ve got to fight for each other. It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about doing what you can and caring for the team,” Rivera said.

This mindset of steady growth and collective effort is already shaping the team’s identity. It’s clear that the players are buying into the culture—showing up with energy, supporting one another and embracing each opportunity to improve. As the season gets underway, that commitment to the process is becoming just as important as the results on the scoreboard.

With practices in full swing and matches on the horizon, the energy in the gym signals more than just a return—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Meridian boys volleyball team. Fueled by passion, unity and a vision of growth, they’re not just reviving a program; they’re building something to last.