Superior North Volleyball Club’s 16U and 18U boys’ competitive teams recently returned from an exciting weekend at the North County Volleyball Boys Battle Royale, held at Winona State University on February 8-9, 2025. Both teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and skill, making the tournament a valuable learning experience and a memorable bonding opportunity.
The 16U boys, coached by Emma Korolenko and Chase House, secured a bronze medal in their first real competitive matches of the season. The tournament provided an opportunity for the team to grow, as they learned how to work together on the court, significantly improving their gameplay throughout the weekend. According to outside hitter Leo Fay, one of the standout moments was how the team came together, strengthening their chemistry both on and off the court. He noted, “The tournament helped us gel as a team and build better chemistry.”
The team’s performance was impressive, as they managed to defeat every opponent except one. Beyond the matches, the players cherished their time together, particularly during the team dinner on Saturday night and the card games played back at the hotel. These moments off the court contributed to the strong bond forming within the team, setting a solid foundation for future competitions.
The 18U team, coached by Alexa Desjardins and Eddie Jung, had an outstanding tournament run, going undefeated in their pool and advancing to the gold bracket. Their semi-final match was a hard-fought battle, taking the game to three sets before ultimately falling short. Team captain Ian Swatton shared, “Competing for third place was a huge highlight for us. The weekend was full of great competition and a lot of fun moments, especially hanging out in the hotel pool and hot tub with the team.” Key players stepped up throughout the weekend, with Tyler Macklin and Matthew Foulds leading the team in kills, while Campbell Mitchell anchored the defense at the net with the most blocks.
Off the court, the experience was equally enriching, with both teams sharing moments of camaraderie that strengthened their sense of unity. Whether it was a team dinner, relaxing at the hotel, or just spending time together, the weekend created lasting memories that will fuel their drive for the remainder of the season.
We also want to extend a huge thank you to the coaches and families who made the trek to Winona, supporting their teams every step of the way. Your dedication and enthusiasm make all the difference!
Overall, the tournament was a great success for both teams, providing valuable experience and strengthening team cohesion. With a promising start to their season, both squads are eager to build on their progress and continue their development in upcoming competitions.
