The first game of the 2024-25 boys volleyball season was against the fourth-ranked team in the state, Brother Rice High School. As the current eighth-ranked in the state, this game was a statement for LT. Winning 2-0 was the beginning of a confidence and morale boost for their early season winning record of 9-1.

“We all are very confident in what we do, and we know that we have a lot of guys who can play,” Captain Vaughn Guilfoile ‘25 said.

Last year’s season ended with a loss to Glenbard West in the sectional state quarter-final, otherwise known as the Elite Eight. With big shoes to fill after the graduation of key players and high past achievements, players are taking on new roles on the court. Also facing the challenge of injuries, players have had to push themselves physically to give their all and maintain resilience. Head Varsity Coach Skendzel plays five different lineups, with the exception of a couple of players in the same position, as in the following years. 

“I’ve enjoyed seeing [the] ability of the players to adapt,” Skendzel said. “A lot of teams have a difficult time not being in that same position, but they just really embrace it.”

With practices at NC ranging around two hours, the team practices game-like situations through play. In addition, they also partake in a strength and conditioning program with MFC Sports Performance in Darien. Throughout all the physical preparation for competition, players have been preparing mentally as well. Learning, giving players cues, and scouting opponents are also of clear importance to Skendzel. According to Guilfoile, the team had a small break following the success of the first seven games with a record 7-0, but now the team has resumed focusing on intense practices both mentally and physically. 

“We started off really intense in practices before the season started, knowing our first games were really tough,” Guilfoile said. “[It’s] a reality check that we need to be giving 100% all the time.”

Off the court, Skendzel has and continues to put in the time for bonding and interaction. Their first planned team bonding event was paintballing. For many of the boys, volleyball has connected them for years, some even since fourth grade. Comradery is a value they strive to accomplish. For Guilfoile, the sport means playing alongside true friends for months.

“You can tell on the court when a few guys don’t like each other,” Guilfoile said. “The fact that we all just want to win together and play together gives us an edge on other teams.”

With no seniors pursuing volleyball at a collegiate level on behalf of other sports and more, this season is the last push for the seniors and means major developments for the others. Guilfoile can speak for the team as they hope to make a deep playoff run.

“One of the things we push as a program is that everyone is growing individually,” Skendzel said. “[I’m looking forward to] the growth and development of the players, not just those on the floor but everyone on the team.”

Boys varsity volleyball team plays next on May 20, away against school rival Hinsdale Central.