BY MARK AGUILAR
Boys varsity volleyball didn’t get off to a great start this year, but they have a very solid team of great athletes including senior Christopher Melendez. Melendez didn’t start playing volleyball until last year. He was on the JV team and was an instant star. Melendez was the junior varsity “Most Valuable Player” last year, mostly having to do with his great defensive standpoint and amazing hitting power. Melendez’s 5’11 frame really helps him play to his best ability, especially being an outside hitter.
“My favorite moments in volleyball are smashing the ball and talking to teammates,” Melendez said.
Although Melendez doesn’t have any scholarship offers and is not a highly scouted athlete, he would still like to play on a collegiate level.
“Because the competition would be tougher, everything would be more interesting,” Melendez said.
This year, the boys varsity team has a starting record of 3-3, which isn’t bad, but it isn’t exactly the start they were looking for during preseason. Melendez feels that the lack of success has to do with inexperience.
“Half of our team doesn’t have enough experience playing volleyball, which allows other teams to capitalize on our minor mistakes,” he said.
Melendez has always had a passion for hockey, but once that season ended, he needed to stay active. He thought about playing volleyball, which was obviously a good idea considering the success that he has had so far.
“Nobody inspired me to play. I finished hockey season and was looking for a fun sport to play with some friends,” Melendez said.
Volleyball isn’t the most popular sport among boys, but it is competitive and always needs new talent to step forward.
“I’d tell underclassmen that it’s a lot funner than it looks. You can make many new friends, and everyone should definitely suggest trying out,” Melendez said.
The future is looking bright for Chris, who is already showing what a great asset he is to the team with 18 kills, one block, and four aces in only four games into the season.
“He has been one of the best defensive players on the team in addition to one of our most consistent offensive weapons. He’s done a great job learning a new position (Melendez was originally a middle) and taking a leadership role on the court,” varsity head coach Joe Osterberg said.
UPDATED: March 21
