The Boys’ Volleyball team has begun their season once again and several changes have been made since last season. With the loss of several seniors last year as well as a new coach, the boys’ volleyball team is set out to prove that they can become district champs once again.

Coach Ryan Schneider, last year’s assistant coach, is now the new volleyball coach this year since Ms. Terri Phelan-Reyes stepped down.

With the loss of big players, the team worked a lot during the off season to prepare themselves. Aside from last year, Schneider has worked on a totally different defensive scheme and “tweaked” the defensive positioning.

Coming into the season, the Vipers were ranked sixth by The Miami Herald.

“We were disrespected because we were District Champs last year and Killian was ranked above us; I think we should have been ranked ahead of them,” said Schneider.

“Going to the tournament at Florida Christian, we’re going to be the underdogs just because we’re not given much respect,” said junior Ivan Barros.

With an All-Dade player graduating last year, this year the team has a chance to step up.

“We were more dependent last year, now we can prove ourselves and win,” said Schneider. “We have good team chemistry, the team hangs out, eats together…we even have a team handshake,” he said.

With a record of 3-0, as of March 15, the Vipers hope to make it to GMAC and face Sunset and Coral Park, teams ranked first and second.

“I expect a lot this year from the team, we plan on winning Districts and to fight in Regionals to go to the State tournament,” said Schneider.

With key players such as Alex Vivanco (All-Dade possibility), Mike Vivanco, Eric Herrera (All-Dade possibility), and Bryant Castellon, the team has a good chance of keeping their District title once again, according to Schneider.