Anticipation is growing for the return of boys’ volleyball as their third season begins with their opening scrimmage against several D1 teams, Feb. 10.
Last year’s team was filled with talent and charisma, graduating eight seniors who helped lead the Eagles into the league championship. The team moved on to the Division Two Central section championship against San Luis Obispo. The Eagles were defeated 3-2 losing the fifth set 15-13.
This year’s team is led by head coach Steve Guglielmana, who started the FCS boy’s volleyball program in 2020. Guglielmana also runs a faith-based local volleyball club for boys and girls ages 12-18. His goal is to spread Christianity to kids while also developing talent within the sport.
Guglielmana shares his goals for this season, which stretch beyond the court and his team’s performance.
“Our first goal is to honor God in our actions, then to honor each other,” Guglielmana said. “We have an opportunity to have another successful year and will work towards being in another Valley Finals match.”
This year’s team is set apart as there aren’t many highly experienced or returning players. Many of the team members decided to take up volleyball as a new, secondary sport this season. Guglielmana describes the level of advancement and dedication it takes the players to be on the team.
“This year’s team will be unique in that there will be a blend of players with a high level of experience, blended with talented athletes that will need to acquire knowledge and skill at a rapid pace to compete at a higher level, like a team,” Guglielmana said.
The Eagles also welcome a new junior varsity coach, Olivia Oquist, who had been on the girl’s volleyball team for six years during her time at FCS. Oquist, the current first-grade teacher at Fresno Christian has now returned to coach the boys during their season. After mentioning how much she loves FCS, Oquist discusses what inspired her to coach the boys’ volleyball team this year.
“I have always loved the sport – the dynamics, the pace, the athleticism it requires,” Oquist said. “It served me for 13 years as a student and I wanted to find another way to serve the current student body.”
This year the team has four seniors: Gabe Johns, Colby Poplin, Donovan Guglielmana, and Kaleb Marquez.
Johns is a new senior at FCS, transferring from Bullard High School. Being a senior leader on the team, Johns shares his mindset for this season.
“At the center of our program is honoring God,” Johns said. “It’s not as much about wins and losses, but more about glorifying God.”
Come support the Eagles in their following home matches:
Madera High Coyotes at 6 p.m. March 5.
Central High Grizzlies at 6 p.m. March 7.
Clovis North Broncos at 6 p.m. March 12.
For more from the Feather read Track and Field treks through the rain and The road to USA Nationals.
