No longer a new commodity, the Belmont High School boys volleyball program looks to take another step in 2025.
After going 5-9 in the program’s first-ever varsity season last spring, the former club hopes to level up again and earn a spot in the MIAA Division 1 postseason tournament.
“That’s definitely the goal,” said senior captain and opposite hitter Larry Zhang. “Last year was more of getting the team started, and this year we have more of a foundation going with more players and better chemistry.”
To do so, the Marauders need to finish among the top 32 in the MIAA Power Rankings or go above .500 in the regular season. Last year, they finished No. 46 of 61 teams. This year, the schedule increases three games to 17. Key matches include Middlesex League rivalry bouts with Arlington (April 17 at home, May 16 away), Winchester (April 29 on the road, May 19 away) and Lexington (April 15 at home, May 14 away).
Team leadership looks different, but many key players return. New coach Ian Bleecker takes over for Erol Kavountzis, who stepped down after one season and is no longer at the school. Erik Roberts, the team’s lone Middlesex League All-Star, graduated. Bleecker, a Bolton native who moved to Belmont three years ago, coached the Belmont girls JV team in the fall. A volleyball player for 15 years in adult leagues in Greater Boston, Bleecker attended a few games last spring as a fan and wanted to try his hand in coaching last fall. He liked it and took over the boys job when it opened up.
“Coaching is incredibly rewarding,” Bleecker said. “In the fall, it never felt like a job. It fills me with purpose and drive every day. They actually asked me if I was willing to be the varsity coach and I was happy to oblige.”
Last year’s program included nine varsity players, 18 junior varsity players and zero cuts. Increased student interest led to a more competitive tryout process this spring, yielding 13 varsity players and 16 on JV.
- Senior Larry Zhang, opposite hitter
- Senior Liam Sinclair, outside hitter
- Senior Thomas Yu, outside hitter
- Senior Nathan Peck, defensive specialist/libero
- Junior Ian Choi, setter
- Junior Jacky Ly, libero
- Sophomore William Sun, middle blocker
Zhang, Sinclair and Choi serve as captains. Sun, who played little as a freshman, will play a bigger role in manning the middle. Newcomer Amir Mollineau, a junior, brings athleticism from the varsity football and basketball programs into a middle blocking position.
With growth comes more energy, according to Choi.
“All around Massachusetts, volleyball has grown, and I think a lot of guys in the program are pretty welcoming,” Choi said. “And a lot of people are interested in a welcoming program.”
One lesson learned: being more coachable as a team.
“I think something we took away is to be efficient at practices,” Choi said. “Going into this year that was a big goal and consistency is key.”
The early impressions look promising.
“I was surprised how well they worked together coming in,” Bleecker said. “It looks like they all understand their position on the court and in their team. My job is to bring in the new faces and fit them into that paradigm.”