USU men’s volleyball team gains confidence after winning their first tournament

Utah State University men’s volleyball club has high expectations for the upcoming season after winning the Utah State Men’s Open.

The preseason tournament took place Friday Nov. 9 and featured 12 schools invited by USU.

           

“I have been on the team for four years and this is the first tournament we have ever won,” said senior Andy Rawlings.

Motivated by the win, Rawlings anticipates similar results at the next tournament that will take place at Utah Valley University during the second weekend of December.

Patrick Law, the club’s vice president, believes better organization and stronger players has contributed to the team’s recent success. Additionally, Law attributes the overall improvement of the team to the new club president Miles Maynes.

“We didn’t have a president last year and that caused a lot of drama,” Law said. “Miles has definitely added a lot of solidity to the team.”

Maynes’ main goal was to turn the men’s volleyball club into something players are excited to be a part of.

“I run the club the way I would want a club to be run,” Maynes said. “I think the players are more committed this year because I have given them something to commit to.”

Maynes and Law, both seniors, want to see the success of the club continue after they graduate. They have already started preparing two players to replace them next year.

“I think we have a good thing going and players enjoy the camaraderie of the team,” Maynes said. “I would hate to see it end after we leave.”