The 2023-24 inaugural high school boys volleyball season gets underway next week, with the winter sports season coming to a close. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has compiled preseason capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
1. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Corrie Vigil.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“We are just excited to get started! We have a great group of kids coming in and they are a perfect group to start this inaugural season with as well as to help build the culture here at Syracuse.”
Players to watch
- Branson Hamblin, libero, Sr.
- Davis Caldwell, outside hitter, Sr.
- Caleb Roskelley, setter, Sr.
2. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Fermin Soriano Bautista.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“I am very excited to allow these boys to participate in a school-sponsored event.”
3. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Derek Bowles.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“Excited for these students to be able to showcase the athleticism and skills associated with men’s volleyball. And to be able to do it in their high school gymnasiums wearing school uniforms.”
Players to watch
- Sam Cruz, setter/outside hitter, Sr.
- Tate Vernon, outside hitter, Sr.
- Chris Kidd, middle blocker, Sr.
4. Davis Darts
Head coach: McKay Barker.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“Davis is excited for the possibilities and opportunities for the upcoming season.”
Players to watch
- Luke McKnight, outside, Jr.
- Chase Valentine, outside/middle, Jr.
5. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Analaine Mailoto.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“I’m excited for the season to start. The boys are learning fast! I think it will be fun to see how boys volleyball takes off.”
6. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Nate Murray.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“About time. I foresee a big jump in youth participation in the sport now that it is sanctioned.”
1. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Elaine Gibson.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“We are so excited to be a part of this inaugural year of men’s high school volleyball in Utah. We can’t wait to get started.”
Players to watch
- Mitchell Barney, outside hitter, Sr.
- Spencer Maruji, libero, Sr.
- Harrison Van Horn, setter, Jr.
- Adam Roller, outside hitter, Sr.
- Parker Holyoak, outside hitter, Jr.
- Reed Stewart, middle blocker/rightside hitter, Sr.
- McGrath Wall, middle blocker, So.
- Jared Lewis, middle blocker, Sr.
2. Bingham Miners
Head coach: JT Thomas.
Additional info not provided.
3. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: David Johnston.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“Very excited to see how we match up with other teams.”
Players to watch
- Curtis Fowler, setter, Jr.
- Shon Schugk, outside hitter, Sr.
- Clark Fowler, outside hitter, So.
4. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Michael Burke.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“We should be competitive over time but will just start the building process this year.”
- Players to watch
- Cooper Varner, outside hitter, Jr.
- Archer Burke, setter, So.
5. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Austin Linford.
Additional info not provided.
6. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Mariah Brown.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“This 2024 season will no doubt make Utah history. We have some of the best players I’ve seen, and credit should be given where credit is due — to parents and club coaches who have trained their boys to a level where this first sanctioned season will be extremely competitive.”
Players to watch
- Terran Black, middle, Sr.
- Kielan Gasu, opposite, Sr.
- Ian Allgrunn, outside, Jr.
- Hunter Olsen, libero, Sr.
1. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Cecil Read.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“Its an exciting time in Utah boys volleyball and we are all grateful to get this thing started.”
Players to watch
- Easton Read, setter, Sr.
- Cade Daley, middle hitter, Sr.
- Freddy Dayton, outside hitter, So.
- Brady Holt, outside hitter, Fr.
- Trevor Allen, outside hitter, Fr.
2. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Whitney Randall.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“We have a young team with a lot of talent. We are looking forward to a strong season in a tough region.”
Players to watch
- Kilika Tafa, pin, So.
- Keagan Cundiff, setter, Jr.
- Talon Schank, libero, Jr.
- Kyson Ririe, pin, So.
3. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Kaipo Tagaloa.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“I’m excited to see the growth of the sport and the first sanctioned high school year for the boys. I think people will be surprised at how big this will get.”
Players to watch
- Franky Fainga, outside hitter, Sr.
- Devin Willits, setter, Jr.
- Marcus Reittinger, opposite, Jr.
- Fihi Fainga, libero, So.
4. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Dave Neeley.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“This is an exciting time for our game and an exciting time for the young men in our state that now have an opportunity to participate in America’s fastest growing team sport. Girls volleyball in Utah has become a hotbed of talent in recent years and I expect boys volleyball to attract the same level of local talent. We are looking forward to this inaugural season and hope to help further establish this game as a popular choice for high school athletes.”
Players to watch
- Weston Johanson, outside hitter/opposite, Sr.
- Tyson Jarvis, outside hitter/setter, Sr.
- Ethan Hillyard, setter/outside hitter/opposite, Sr.
- Kenadi Lee, middle block/opposite/setter, Sr.
- Adam Jenkins, middle blocker, Sr.
- Robert Boice, opposite, Sr.
- Brayden Thomas, outside hitter/opposite, Jr.
- David Quiñones, opposite/setter, So.
- Aki Titiuamea Malietoa, middle block/opposite, So.
5. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Kolby Shewell.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“I am really excited for boys volleyball to be a sanctioned sport this year. There are a lot of teams in 6A with some great talent, and some teams that have some athletic boys that could be great in the future. I think this will be a great first year as many of the boys have been playing club volleyball for many years and there will be a lot of boys starting volleyball for the first time. I am excited to see the development of these boys and the teams.”
- Players to watch
- Ashton Shewell, outside hitter, Fr.
- Ty Reynolds, setter, Fr.
6. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Shantell Shoell.
Coach’s comment on inaugural season
“I am very excited to be a part of this newly sanctioned sport. I have high hopes and expectations for my team, and can’t wait to get started.”
Players to watch
- Evan Olmstead, Junior, Outside/Libero
- Maxim Hale, Junior, Outside