In an ongoing effort to support and grow boys volleyball in this state, we decided to ask several established Wisconsin players a simple question: What would you tell an 11-year-old boy who had an interest in volleyball? We didn't put words in any of their mouths. We simply asked them to make a sincere effort at communicating their passion for this great sport to the next "generation." We were floored by the responses. Give them a read and tell us you don't agree.
Chad Bonis, Catholic Memorial '10"I would tell him to definitely take up the sport. I started when I was 12 and I'm certainly glad I did. Out of all the sports I played growing up, volleyball was the best when it came to team chemistry and how much fun I had each day at practice and games. Even outside of school my teammates and I always would do stuff together and we basically became a family. I was skeptical when I started playing a little frustrated at times, but once I learned all the proper techniques and got better, it turned into a sport I love. I'll keep on enjoying the game of volleyball for the rest of my life and I'm glad I took the leap starting out. It was worth it."
Danny Jonas, Waukesha West '10"First of all, I'd love to let all 11-year-olds know how great of a sport volleyball is. Not only does volleyball embrace individual stars, but it also involves an atmosphere that revolves around team chemistry and communication between your teammates. I've been playing volleyball since I was a fifth grader in the Waukesha Catholic school system. I've never even thought of giving up this wonderful sport. Throughout the years, I've embraced the camaraderie, but also some of the challenges that create the sport of volleyball. When playing, you'll learn the attributes of leadership, communication and perseverance. With these characteristics gained, you'll benefit not only on the volleyball court, but also in teh future as you become a mature adult. But to get to the point where you've successfully gained these attributes, you'll need to go through some adversity with your teammates that will ultimately allow you to achieve the goals that you have set for your team. Volleyball is a unique sport, in which you need all six guys on the floor for anyone to succeed. If one slacks off, the play is dead. But once the six on the floor come together to win that match, the victory is as sweet as ever. Thus, as I have given you some insight on the brilliant sport of volleyball, I hope that you consider it a sport you can pursue for years to come. Last of all, have fun."
Harris Jorgenson, Burlington '09, Wisconsin Oshkosh '13
"I would tell him to get going, to get out in the backyard or to the beach and start hitting the volleyball around because there is no substitute for experience. I'd tell him to keep playing the other sports he's interested in because doing other sports can help you become a better and stronger volleyball player. I would also tell him to go to as many games or tournaments as he can and watch how the game is played and watch each position player. At that age, he probably won't be sure which position he'll be playing so he will need to learn every position and what each entails. Also, I would tell him that, even though it may be a little embarrassing, to go and play with girls his age, or maybe even older. There are usually leagues for girls that young but rarely for boys. Like I said earlier, there is no substitute for experience and he'll have a big advantage over the other boys his age if he starts playing a few years earlier. I would tell him to encourage his friends to play because the more the sport grows, the better the competition, to not shy away from the sport just because it's not a "tough" sport because it is. Put one football player in the back row and have an all-state volleyball player swing at him. I guarantee he will run. Lastly, I'd tell him to work hard at the sport, but never take it too seriously, just have fun."
Daniel Simon, Waukesha West '10
"My advice for someone interested in volleyball is join the club. Many may not know it but volleyball is the most-played game in the world. Although the popularity is still catching on in the United States, there's something to say about being different and trying a new game. For me volleyball is unlike any sport. It takes incredible coordination, athletic ability and technical skill. I once read an article about how awesome the alley-oop is in basketball. Everyone stands up and cheers when one player connects a pass with another for the jam. People don't realize this happens hundreds of times in a volleyball match. When trying to convince friends of mine to play, I ask them how long do you plan on playing football or hockey? The answer is usually during high school. If I were asked the same question about volleyball, I would say until I die. Volleyball is a life game. It's a game you play with friends and it's a game that fosters new friends with tons of leagues, both co-ed and very competitive. To a new player I would say do not get frustrated. Focus on learning proper techniques and having fun. The game will get easier every time you play it. Like any sport, it's all about repitition. Play as much as possible."
We've been communicating with a couple of other players who haven't responded just yet so we might do a similar post down the road. And we're guessing you noticed the new graphic at the top of this post. We're gonna pull that out any time we do a post that focuses specifically on growing boys volleyball in the state. For example, we've already added the graphic to
an earlier post where we recognize guys in Wisconsin who are making a mark without the benefit of having a high school team.
Those were the words of Harris Jorgenson (Burlington '09) back in August when asked what advice he'd give an 11-year-old boy considering volleyball. They were wise words then and no doubt worth another look (especially if you're an 11-year-old boy considering volleyball ... or his parent ... or a high school athletic director thinking about adding boys volleyball). 
