MS Boys Volleyball Team Crowned KAIAC Champions

This spring, the middle school boys volleyball team embarked on a short but exhilarating journey—one that culminated in capturing the 2024–2025 MS KAIAC Boys Volleyball Championship and closing out a season that was as meaningful as it was memorable.

The season started with high interest and energy, with nearly 40 students signing up for tryouts. Through consistent Monday and Thursday practices, they showed remarkable progress and competed in four Saturday Jamborees. Ultimately, 12 student-athletes were selected for the YISS team to compete in the MS KAIAC Tournament. To sharpen their game, the MS boys engaged in two scrimmages with the HS Boys’ Varsity team. They gradually banded together and began playing as One Team.

Unfortunately, the tournament didn’t start off as they had hoped. In their opening match, the team suffered a tough loss to KIS, which dealt a blow to their confidence. However, the boys rallied together, encouraging each other and regaining their momentum.

During the second match, the players regained their confidence by beating traditional powerhouse SFS. In their second match, they bounced back in a big way, defeating powerhouse SFS. With renewed determination, they secured a spot in the final after a commanding 25–13 rematch victory over KIS.

The players faced off against CI during the final championship match. The team was nervous because they had never played against CI in any past Jamborees. Coached by a former member of the Korean national team from the 1970s and 80s, CI was known to be a formidable opponent with powerful hitters and solid skills. The tension felt by the YISS team was evident in the first set, which was lost due to several unforced errors, particularly on serves. But in the second set, the team refocused and adjusted its strategy. The effective use of middle attackers, TJ L. and Ryan L., shifted the momentum. In the third set, Ryan P. and TJ L.’s commanding serves sealed the victory, and with it, the championship title.

Reflecting on the season, Coach Samin Kim shared: “The boys embraced each other and shared their joy. I'm really proud of our players, who encouraged each other without blaming one another, even when mistakes were made, and played as one team until the end. I am truly grateful to all the players who have been with me this season, and I am also deeply grateful to Coach Krahn for joining mid-season and offering valuable support. I am also grateful to the high school varsity players who scrimmaged and mentored our team. Lastly, thank you to the parents who have always shown generous support for the team. This victory is more than just a title. It’s a lasting memory for all of us who sweated and grew together. Go, MS KAIAC Black Division Boys Volleyball Champions! Go, Guardians!”