The Townsend Harris boys volleyball team is officially back in action, looking to follow up on a strong 2024-2025 run. Last year, the team finished with a 10-0 regular season record. However, the season ended with a tough 0-2 playoff loss on May 12 against the High School for Environmental Studies. 

Coach Christian Castillo said he has his eyes on another strong finish. “My main goal is to end up exactly where we ended last year…to be able to at least get to the quarter finals,” Mr. Castillo said. Since the school only has one gym, the team is focused on conditioning early to stay ahead. Coach Castillo said, “We have been trying to get in shape and get things ready for this season.” This preparation starts with team fitness, and junior and co-captain Brendan Ling said that the team has focused on “endurance, strength, and explosiveness” to be ready for the season. 

Helping to lead that effort is sophomore and 2024-2025 Rookie of the Year Jack Hill, who spent the off season in the gym “I have prepared myself in the off-season by doing a lot of work in the gym and working on my ball control skills,” Hill said. As an Opposite Hitter, he is focused on specific goals:“I feel like I need to improve on my blocking and hitting because these are important skills for my position.”

Alumnus Rodrigo Aquino said that senior and co-captain Brian Merino will be a key figure stepping into a crucial leadership role.

“Brian is the only senior this year and we’ve made sure to prep him to secure his readiness to lead the team,” Rodrigo said.

Rodrigo also emphasized the importance of team chemistry. He said, “being closer to your team…that ‘family’ type of bond really does benefit the team’s relationship and morale.”

Brian said, “I also understand the importance of team bonding outside of playing, as this improves the team’s chemistry on the court.”

Junior and co-captain Neo Mun said that because most of the team is composed of juniors, they need to learn to play together. “We didn’t get the opportunity to play as a team compatible often, so I want us to adjust to that,” Neo said. He said he believes experiencing different emotions whether they are “frustrated, sad, overwhelmed, but also at times excited, happy” will help the team grow into a “second family.” 

“Showing up for your friends and teammates is only half the battle,” Brian said. “Putting in the work and effort… completes it.” 

Brian said his goal for the season relates to not just himself but the whole team. “My specific goal for the team is to hopefully win the whole PSAL bracket but realistically just be better than last year, which [ended at the] quarter finals. …I want to see a certain level of commitment to the sport [in team members], absorbing as much as they can in order to improve and be better players.”