With the IHSA regional competition looming on May 22, WEGO’s boys’ volleyball team, currently 19-11, is hoping for a win.

West Chicago’s boys’ volleyball team still has high hopes for the success of their season; even though the Varsity team started their season with a 2-0 loss against Glenbard North on March 22, the boys paved a way for success after a crushing win against Wheaton Academy on April 5. 

Since then, the WCCHS boys’ volleyball team has shown strong determination against the competition, and with every loss, they grew stronger; according to the players, the hours of intense conditioning and day-to-day practices (some even occurring in the morning) have strengthened their minds whilst giving them a sense of discipline and an unassailable sense of companionship.

The Varsity team solidified their 60% win rate due to well-balanced and powerful players, such as sophomore Vincent Spadoni, ranked 171 in the nation and fourth place in the state of Illinois as a serving ace; additionally, junior Krystian Roldan, who, whilst ranked 333 in the nation, holds first place in the Upstate Eight Conference in terms of assists; Roldan is known as a real team player who knows how to work with his fellow players in a constructive manner.

Varsity exemplified their hopes for success regarding their up-and-coming end to the season. 

 “There is room for improvement, but overall, I think our team is doing pretty good,” junior Zayd Haroon, ranked 19 in the UEC with 13 total blocks, said. 

The team has been on a winning streak since defeating Bolingbrook on April 19. The Wildcats followed that win with victories against Addison Trail, Fenton, Willowbrook, Elgin, Streamwood, and St. Charles East. While a loss against Glenbard South on May 9 derailed the team, the players insist that having a positive mindset is important; they believe they can do better.

The Junior Varsity (JV) boys’ volleyball team will soon have their share of the spotlight as well; while they hold a win-loss ratio of 2/3, the players hold it true in their minds that it is not too late to turn this season around.

“As a team, I think we grew a lot compared to the start,” junior and JV player Yael Montes said.

JV has exhibited their derivative to become better as a whole, with a couple of their players getting moved up to Varsity in time.

Wildcat volleyball is not only just a sport, but it presents an opportunity for personal and team growth as people, being able to work in a group setting is a viable skill for their futures; these young athletes have the drive to improve upon themselves, which in turn will benefits their success in their later games and for the seasons to come.

Several JV players were moved up to Varsity this year, and perhaps they will help the boys’ team secure a victory this Monday at Neuqua Valley.