“Setting up” NC’s mens volleyball team

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Andrew Gaspirini

Coach Sansing met with men’s volleyball team in his room for a brief information session. The upcoming season begins after basketball season ends with tryouts being held starting February 28. “I felt pretty good about the interest level, and I think we will have any more interest closer to the time of tryouts,” Sansing said.

Andrew Gasparini, Reporter, Photographer

Males at NC met with Coach Sansing briefly on Wednesday, February 1 to discuss the upcoming season and tryouts for the first ever men’s volleyball team at the school.

“I basically proposed it to the athletic director and asked if there were any reasons why we would not be able to have one. He approved it and allowed us to have a space to practice,” Sansing said.

Even during the obstacles presented by NC’s construction, Athletic Director Jared Noblet graciously permitted the establishment and allowed the first men’s volleyball team to practice in the old gym. Sansing saw the potential in the women’s team here at NC and wanted to incorporate the men into their success.

“I have experience with coaching players that didn’t have much experience coming in with both girls and boys. I think it will not be easy, but it will be something that I’ve dealt with before. I know the things we need to work on to be able to play this first season,” Sansing said.

Sansing coached the men’s volleyball team at Ragsdale High School, going all the way to the state competition. This past season, Sansing took NC’s girls to the second round of state. Junior Madison Henry, who played middle on the women’s team, looks forward to continuing her role in NC’s volleyball program.

“I’m just going to carry over what I have learned over the years and pass it onto them as much as I can. I think it will be fun because I have never coached before, but I will try to teach them as much as I can,” Henry said.

Henry will aid the men’s team, filling the position of manager, by putting up nets, keeping up with stats, and reffing. She will support the men’s team with her background from the women’s volley group behind the scenes.

Prospective players asked questions regarding the uniforms (concerned with wearing the same spandex shorts as the women’s team),  the practice schedule, and the likelihood of attending the state championship.

“I think that we will be able to compete. The other schools have had teams for three or four years, but they haven’t necessarily risen to the next level, ” Sansing said.

NC’s competition this upcoming season will include Harrison, River Ridge, and Walton with multiple games against each team. Beating Walton will especially present challenges for the NC Warrior Men’s team due to their well-recognized team.

“I am very excited for this new challenge. I went to a girl’s game this past fall, and I thought it was a really interesting sport and [enjoyed] how the crowd got into it. I’m most looking forward to playing a sport that I haven’t really tried because I’ve done cross country all four year. I want to be apart of a new team and represent North Cobb,” senior Ben Hays said.

Tryouts for the NC’s first volleyball team fall on February 28, March 1, and March 2. Make sure to dress in comfortable athletic clothing that enables running and jumping. If you could not attend the past informational meeting, please contact Coach Sansing in room 3064 with any questions.