Madison Country Day high school boys volleyball program, now in its fourth year, hosted a co-op with Abundant Life Christian School this season, and finished with major improvement and promising potential for the coming years. The varsity team finished with a record of five wins and 15 losses, which included three regular-season wins and two tournament victories.  

Boys’ volleyball was introduced to MCDS in 2022, with the program having since expanded significantly, allowing for teams throughout middle school grade levels, and even allowing high school to have varsity and junior varsity teams. In past years, MCDS has been in a co-op with other schools, but this year, MCDS is hosting the co-op and Abundant Life Christian School players play at our school.

Since the foundation of the boys’ volleyball program at MCDS, there have been significant developments in the size of the program, with more and more people showing interest in the growing sport. “We came together and worked towards a common goal with pride, and that’s what felt special about this team,” said varsity coach Eagan Peters-Michaud. Many athletes had played in the Edgewood co-op in previous years, some had played in middle school but hadn’t played competitively in a while, and some were brand new to volleyball this year.

“Practice builds skills, skills build confidence, and confidence builds trust within yourself and the people around you,” said Peters-Michaud, adding, “but outcomes do not define your self-worth.” This season the team laid the groundwork for success in boys volleyball at MCDS, clearing the way for anyone to participate, regardless of skill and experience level. 

Multiple players have noted that it’s been a good way to connect across grade levels and make friends. Alex Ellingson, the varsity setter outside hitter from ALCS, said, “This co-op does a great job of fostering a positive environment and making everyone feel like they are supposed to be there.” Ellingson, one of the three captains, added, “The connections we have founded have allowed us to thrive as a first-year program. I am excited to see where the program will be in the next couple of years.” 

A notable thing from this season was how good a job this group did with including everyone across junior varsity and varsity, which is how you continue to grow and improve. MCDS athletics is a true extension of the classroom, with all our programs being organized and connected. There are always great opportunities to support each other and feel supported by the MCDS community. “It will always be necessary to maintain good relationships between the players and coaches, especially respect, which is the foundation of all interpersonal relationships,” said Edward Vegas, junior varsity coach. 

Both the varsity and the junior varsity teams saw a lot of skill improvement and the players showed perseverance, even when overcoming difficult moments on and off the court. Both teams showed significant improvements in all aspects of gameplay throughout the season, with communication, coordination, and more improving for all players.

“My biggest takeaway this season is that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose,” said Ellingson. “The goal of the game is to have fun … it is important to remember to win with dignity, as well as lose with grace.”