Setting the bar high: Creekview Boys Volleyball Club sets up for another successful season
CANTON, Ga. — The 2024-2025 school year marked the inaugural season for the newly established Creekview High Schools Boys Volleyball Club. With 15 players, the team experienced tremendous growth not only as a team but for each individual player. They wrapped up the season with a record of 23 wins and just 7 losses鈥攁nd a 2nd place finish in the state tournament. Ahead of the upcoming season, the team is currently ranked 4th in the state.
The team鈥檚 goal for the 2026 season is to make a repeat appearance at the state tournament and this time to come away with 1st place! To do that, they need to grow their team and are seeking players who want to be part of that goal.
The boys volleyball club team is led by coaches Jessica Zapeta, Heather Morris, and Earnest Fletcher. While success on the court is wonderful, the coaches share a strong desire to advocate for the sport that they love. Currently, boys/mens volleyball is currently the fastest growing sport in America and they are excited to be a part of that trend.
With no previous season records to shatter, the team wasted no time in setting the bar high for future players to reach. Coach Morris says, 鈥淔rom the beginning our players already had confidence that they would make it to the state finals at the end of the season. That was their goal that they focused on and visualized all season, and they made it to the final game!鈥�
Since boys volleyball is not officially sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the club team allows for any student (grades 9-12) to join. For those interested, the team is currently holding open gyms every Thursday morning from 6:30-7:45 AM. When the season begins in February, the team will host a clinic week available to anyone who needs to work on basic skills and then practices will officially begin.
The team鈥檚 natural leadership is found in seniors Brandon Haralson and Austin Skelton, along with junior Eli Gilbert. Coach Morris shares, 鈥淭hey are vital to the team鈥檚 success because they invest in their teammates. They recruit, coach, encourage, and love the sport鈥�
A lot of new traditions were initiated during their first season, but the boys would likely tell you that snacks are high up on the list of priorities. Teammates enjoy going out after games to share a meal together or carpool to matches which fuels additional team bonding.
Before each match, the team shakes hands with their opponents as a testament to their good sportsmanship. Beyond that, they celebrate those who support them after each win by approaching the parent and fan bleachers to express their appreciation for being there.
Motivation for the team comes not only from the success of last season, but far bigger than that is the community that they have found with one another. Coach Morris shares with pride, 鈥淭his is a place where they can all belong, struggle together, and succeed together.鈥�
For Coaches Fletcher, Morris, and Zapeta it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to lead this team and express their continued commitment to not only growing the team but also supporting each of these passionate athletes as they invest in the sport that they love.
For more information, contact Coach Heather Morris @ [email protected].
You can follow the team鈥檚 success on Instagram @ Creekview High School Boys Volleyball Club.
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