The 2026 high school boys volleyball season gets underway this week in Class 5A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has compiled capsules for every team in 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are 10 new boys volleyball coaches in 5A this year: Shauna Miller (West), Paulasi Matavao (West Jordan), Brad Hulse (Box Elder), Tyler Dooley (Roy), Lexi Talatau (West Field), John Wright (Olympus), Ryan Chapman (Woods Cross), Jarrett McCurty (Payson), Avery Cowart (Pleasant Grove) and Kristen Bailey (Timpview).
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 4
1. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Paulasi Matavao (1st year)
2025 record: 19-11 (first in Region 4 with a 8-2 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Box Elder (3-0) in the 5A second round***
Additional info not provided
2. West Panthers
Head coach: Shauna Miller (1st year)
2025 record: 12-13 (fifth in Region 6 with a 4-8 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Woods Cross (3-0) in the 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Lio, Sr. MB
- Mason, Sr. OH
- Aisea, Sr. SET
- Troy, Jr. MB
- Luke, Jr. OH
- Aiden, Fr. LIB
Coach comment: “Entering a new region brings new competition and new opportunities. Our goal is to win big games in this new region and give our returning players a real opportunity to make a deeper playoff run.”
3. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Kendell Hess (3rd year)
2025 record: 14-12 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 7-3 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 16 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Taylorsville (3-2) in the 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Drexler Kaisa, Outside, Jr.
- Kingston Patolo, Outside, So.
Coach comment: “We have a great returning core that is motivated to put in the work for a great season. It should be a fun, dynamic season.”
4. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Kevin Jason Ng (3rd year)
2025 record: 10-14 (fourth in Region 4 with a 6-4 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 21 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Clearfield (3-0) in the 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Peyton Hendrikson, OH/MB, Sr.
- Tyce Randall-Umi, OPP, Sr.
- Ander Davidson, S, Jr.
- Lebron Fasavalu, OH/MB, So.
Coach comment: “We have talented young players coming up ready to contribute and compete for every point.”
5. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: Spence Mcdonald (3rd year)
2025 record: 13-15 (tied for second in Region 4 with a 7-3 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain (3-0) in the 5A second round
Returning contributors:
- Jason Chen, OH, Sr.
- Tyler Johnson, S, Sr.
- Fabio Manzini, MB/OP, Sr.
- Luke Stonehocker, OH, Jr.
Coach comment: “Excited for the potential of this years team as most of the players have had all 3 of the sanctioned sport seasons to be a cohesive unit.”
6. Hillcrest Huskies
Head coach: Laura Roth (3rd year)
2025 record: 10-19 (sixth in Region 10 with a 3-9 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 22 in 4A
2025 postseason: Lost to Ridgeline (3-0) in the 4A first round
Additional info not provided
7. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Josh Sanders (3rd year)
2025 record: 4-16 (tied for fifth in Region 4 with a 1-9 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 26 in 5A
2025 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
- Brady Dean
- Jaden Simons
Coach comment: “Excited for the season, going to be our best ever.”
8. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Kelly Zierse (3rd year)
2025 record: 2-16 (tied for fifth in Region 4 with a 1-9 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 24 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills (3-0) in the 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Devon Toitoa, OH/M, Sr.
- Cole Sharp, OH, Jr.
- Porter Luckart, S/RS, Jr.
- Santiago Rodarte, LIB, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have some great returning playing players and some new one joining our team. This will be our best season yet.”
Region 5
1. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Brooke Pehrson (3rd year)
2025 record: 16-14 (fourth in Region 5 with a 8-6 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 12 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Viewmont (3-0) in the 5A second round
Returning contributors:
- Bode Davis, MB, Sr.
- James Tafea, MB/OH, Sr.
- Nathan Toone, L, Sr.
- Max Bohman, OH/RS, Sr.
2. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Brad Hulse (1st year)
2025 record: 20-8 (third in Region 5 with a 10-4 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Wasatch (3-2) in the 5A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Orion Fifield, OH, Sr.
- Peter Laing, S, Sr.
- Isaac Laing, OH, Sr.
- Tyce Johnston, L, Sr.
Coach comment: “Excited to work with a great group of kids who have fully bought into a new system and have been putting in the work all summer.”
3. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Analaine Mailoto (3rd year)
2025 record: 9-20 (sixth in Region 1 with a 1-9 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 6A
2025 postseason: Lost to Weber (3-1) in the 6A first round
Returning contributors:
- Lucas Eyre, M, Sr.
- Manase Tuatagaloa, R, Sr.
- Nate Broadbent, S, Jr.
- Korver Lewis, L, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are always excited to get better and hopefully have a better season then the year before. The team is getting stronger.”
4. West Field Longhorns
Head coach: Lexi Talatau (1st year)
2025 record: 9-20 (fourth in Region 11 with a 6-6 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 4A
2025 postseason: Lost to Orem (3-0) in the 4A second round
Additional info not provided
5. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Kait Hyde (1st year)
2025 record: 0-16 (eighth in Region 5 with a 0-14 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 25 in 5A
2025 postseason: Did not qualify***
Returning contributors:
- Boston Ferrin, RS, Sr.
- Carson Shaffer, Setter, Sr.
Coach comment: “I am looking forward to getting to work with this group. I think we will see a lot of growth a success this year.”
6. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Kirt Williams (2nd year)
2025 record: 9-15 (sixth in Region 5 with a 4-10 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 20 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Spanish Fork (3-0) in the 5A first round
Additional info not provided
7. Roy Royals
Head coach: Tyler Dooley (1st year)
2025 record: 4-14 (seventh in Region 5 with a 2-12 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 22 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to West Jordan (3-2) in the 5A first round
Returning contributors:
- Ben Yamishita, Setter/RH, Sr.
- Jose Santibanez, Setter/RH, Jr.
Coach comment: “I truly believe this group has the potential to do something special. We’re going to compete, grow, and enjoy a great season together.”
Region 6
1. Bountiful Redhawks
Head coach: Sarah Chism (3rd year)
2025 record: 26-6 (first in Region 5 with a 14-0 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Wasatch (3-1) in the 5A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Connor Burleson, OH, Sr.
- Landon Chism, OH, Sr.
- Matt Pulsipher, MB, Sr.
Coach comment: “We return experienced seniors as well as underclassmen with varsity experience. This is a group that is committed to playing fast, disciplined volleyball.”
2. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Mondo Begay (3rd year)
2025 record: 17-10 (second in Region 6 with a 9-3 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills (3-1) in the 5A second round
Additional info not provided
3. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Karl Lippa (3rd year)
2025 record: 17-8 (second in Region 5 with a 12-2 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Alta (3-0) in the 5A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Dallin Lether, Setter, Sr.
- Carson Tovey, Opposite, Sr.
- Jonathan Williquette, Libero, Sr.
Coach comment: “Being the 3rd season and new region alignment, I am expecting a very competitive and exciting year.”
4. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Casie Maekawa (3rd year)
2025 record: 18-6 (first in Region 6 with a 11-1 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain (3-1) in the 5A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Jayden Roberts, OH, Sr.
- John Wright, OH, Sr.
- Ty Mahe, Opp, Sr.
Coach comment: “We’re excited for this upcoming season! Region 6 is going to be a battle but we are ready for it.”
5. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Josh Henderson (3rd year)
2025 record: 9-15 (fourth in Region 6 with a 7-5 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Olympus (3-1) in the 5A first round***
Returning contributors:
- Solomon Sanchez, Middle, Sr.
- Tag Begley, Setter, Jr.
- Charlie Whittaker, Pin, Jr.
- Lincoln Arnold, Pin, Jr.
- Mark Killen, Pin, So.
Coach comment: “We expect to have a great season. We only lost one varsity starter from last year. So we expect to build on last year and compete with the best in the State.”
6. Olympus Titans
Head coach: John Wright (1st year)
2025 record: 14-12 (third in Region 6 with a 8-4 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Wasatch (3-2) in the 5A second round
Returning contributors:
- Gabe Lincoln, OH, Sr.
Coach comment: “We have a solid team with great talent. This is my first year so I’m excited to see how we compete in the region.”
7. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Ryan Chapman (1st year)
2025 record: 15-15 (fifth in Region 5 with a 6-8 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Bountiful (3-0) in the 5A second round
Returning contributors:
- Brad Trythall, OH, Sr.
- Vili Tapa’atoutai, M/Op, Sr.
- Tanner Woffinden, Setter, Jr.
Coach comment: “As a new staff, we want to develop the boys volleyball program at Woods Cross for years to come. This year will be one to establish expectations and skill development.”
Region 7
1. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Mike Wilton (3rd year)
2025 record: 21-9 (second in Region 7 with a 9-3 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain (3-0) in the 5A championship
Returning contributors:
- Chase Billeter, OH, Sr.
- JJ Serre, OPP/M, Sr.
- Foraker Fisher, Lib, Sr.
Coach comment: “We return a strong core of experienced players who have worked hard in the offseason. This group competes, plays for each other, and should be a lot of fun to watch.”
2. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Napoleon Galang (2nd year)
2025 record: 24-0 (first in Region 7 with a 12-0 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 5A
2025 postseason: Beat Wasatch (3-0) in the 5A championship
Returning contributors:
- Taft Hillman, Setter, Sr.
- Matt Borges, OH, Sr.
- Abe Hawkins, MB, Jr.
- Kimball Olsen, OH, So.
- McKay Beattie, Libero, So.
Coach comment: “While we graduated two key seniors from our back-to-back championship run, we return a strong core who have established themselves as some of the top players in the region.”
3. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Valerie Benson (3rd year)
2025 record: 13-13 (tied for third in Region 7 with a 6-6 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Alta (3-2) in the 5A second round
Returning contributors:
- Alec Bluth, OH, Sr.
- Mason Swenson, S, Sr.
- Jace Andersen, OH, Jr.
Coach comment: “Spanish Fork returns a strong core of experienced varsity players this season. We expect to be highly competitive and play together at a high level.”
4. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Avery Cowart (1st year)
2025 record: 12-14 (fifth in Region 3 with a 3-7 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 6A
2025 postseason: Lost to Lehi (3-0) in the 6A second round
Returning contributors:
- Aki Malietoa, Middle, Sr.
- Jaxon Fink, Outside Hitter, Jr.
- Eli Barnes, Outside Hitter, So.
Coach comment: “Excited to work hard and get better everyday.”
5. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Emma Israelsen (2nd year)
2025 record: 15-10 (tied for third in Region 7 with a 6-6 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 10 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Bountiful (3-0) in the 5A quarterfinals
Returning contributors:
- Taylor Cook, Libero, Sr.
- Reis Brothers, Outside, Sr.
- Marshall Patterson, Right Side/Outside, Sr.
- Parker Thacker, Middle, Jr.
- Garrett Kilgrow, Outside, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a lot of returning players who have experience playing at a high level. I’m confident in our ability to go head to head with any team in 5A.”
6. Salem Hills SkyHawks
Head coach: Josh McKell (3rd year)
2025 record: 11-12 (fifth in Region 7 with a 5-7 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain (3-0) in the 5A quarterfinals
Additional info not provided
7. Payson Lions
Head coach: Jarrett McCurty (1st year)
2025 record: 13-9 (tied for third in Region 8 with a 3-5 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 4A
2025 postseason: Lost to Orem (3-1) in the 4A semifinals
Returning contributors:
- Jace Mangum, Outside Hitter, Sr.
Coach comment: “Every member of our program is looking forward to contributing and participating this season. We are looking to redefine success.”
8. Timpview Thunderbirds
Head coach: Kristen Bailey (1st year)
2025 record: 5-21 (seventh in Region 7 with a 0-12 record)
2025 RPI ranking: No. 23 in 5A
2025 postseason: Lost to Springville (3-0) in the 5A first round
Additional info not provided