The 2026 high school boys volleyball season gets underway this week in Class 2A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has compiled capsules for every team in 2A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are eight new boys volleyball coaches in 2A this year: Brad Castle (American Heritage), Lorenzo Gasper (Draper APA), McKenna Smeltzer (Maeser Prep), Sam Cannon (Utah Military Camp Williams), Julia Smith (Wasatch Academy), Milford Tiafala (Dugway), TBD at APA West Valley and Rockwell).
Here are the 2A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
2A North
1. Salt Lake Academy Griffins
Head coach: Brogan Johnson (2nd year)
2025 record: 24-7 (first in Region 3A Central with a 11-0 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Morgan (3-1) in the 3A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Takeo Derby, OH, Sr.
- Elijah Johnson, OH/OPP, Sr.
- Tegho Castillo, MB/OPP, Sr.
- Ryder Harrison, S/L, Jr.
- Brock Rhodes, MB, Jr.
- Conner Hill, OH/OPP, Jr.
Coach comment: “We return several experienced players who are ready to step into larger roles. If we can control our emotions and stay mentally tough, we should be able to consistently compete.”
2. Utah Military Hillfield Thunderbirds
Head coach: Nicole Davies (3rd year)
2025 record: 7-13 (fifth in Region 3A North with a 1-7 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Morgan (3-0) in the 3A second round
Additional info not provided
3. Vanguard Valiants
Head coach: Losaline Pula (1st year)
2025 record: 8-7 (third in Region 3A Central with a 8-4 record)
Additional info not provided
4. Dugway Mustangs
Head coach: Milford Tiafala (1st year)
2025 record: 5-14 (tied for fourth in Region 3A Central with a 4-7 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Salt Lake Academy (3-0) in the 3A second round
Additional info not provided
5. APA West Valley Eagles
Head coach: Irena Golon (1st year)
Additional info not provided
6. Rockwell Marshals
Head coach: Ala Iosefa (1st year)
2025 record: 1-11 (seventh in Region 3A Central with a 1-10 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Dugway (3-0) in the 3A first round
Additional info not provided
2A South
1. American Heritage Patriots
Head coach: Brad Castle (1st year)
2025 record: 13-10 (fourth in Region 3A South with a 7-5 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Morgan (3-2) in the 3A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Peter Jacobson, Outside Hitter, Sr.
Coach comment: “This is a bit of a rebuilding season for us. We’re athletic, competitive, and eager to improve. We expect significant growth from the start of the season to the finish.”
2. Wasatch Academy Tigers
Head coach: Julia Smith (1st year)
2025 record: 6-15 (tied for fourth in Region 3A Central with a 4-7 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 10 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Carbon (3-0) in the 3A second round
Additional info not provided
3. Maeser Prep Lions
Head coach: McKenna Smeltzer (1st year)
Returning contributors:
- Mason Hemingway, Middle Blocker, Jr.
- Joshua Richardson, Middle Blocker, So.
- Levi Richardson, Outside Hitter, So.
- Ammon Mefford, Setter, So.
- JeVanko Stewart, Pin Hitter, Fr.
- Michael Okawa, Outside Hitter, Fr.
- En-lun Chang, Outside Hitter, Fr.
Coach comment: “This is our inaugural season and I couldn’t be more excited! We have a great team that shows a lot of promise and growth.”
4. Freedom Prep Academy Eagles
Head coach: Kerisiano Lobendahn (3rd year)
2025 record: 13-8 (second in Region 3A Central with a 8-3 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Grantsville (3-0) in the 3A second round
Additional info not provided
5. Utah Military Camp Williams Marauders
Head coach: Sam Cannon (1st year)
2025 record: 5-15 (sixth in Region 3A Central with a 3-8 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 3A
2025 postseason: Lost to Ogden (3-0) in the 3A second round
Additional info not provided
6. Draper APA Eagles
Head coach: Lorenzo Gasper (1st year)
Coach comment: “We are young and this is our inaugural season.”