CLEVELAND — Willie Newton is the first head coach in Cleveland Heights boys volleyball history. He likely won’t be making cuts this year.
There are 40 players trying out, and their coach is already setting expectations.
“I’m trying to win the league,” he said. “Anybody else with me?”
Boys volleyball became an official OHSAA sanctioned sport in 2022, but 2023 is the first official season for the sport. Some schools had boys’ volleyball as a club sport, so the transition to varsity is easier. Cleveland Heights didn’t have a club team and has to build a team from the ground up. Newton said many of these kids play other sports for Cleveland Heights, but they haven’t served or spiked a ball before, so he has to find out where they fit.
“From our wrestlers when they’re on the mat, it’s just them,” Newton said. “They not used to having a teammate. Some of them are just used to a sport where you don’t have to rely on other people.”
Gabriel McKay plays soccer and lacrosse and also bowls. He said he isn’t used to using a volleyball. He’s getting the hang of it on his first day.
“I use my whole body usually because I play multiple sports,” McKay said. “So it’s pretty easy. Feels the same as pretty any other sport.”
Newton said he is coaching volleyball for the first time. He will let his assistants help guide him since they have played. The girls’ volleyball team and their coach will help tune up these new players.
“I’m thankful that they’re here to help me and figure out what we’re gonna do with our kids,” Newton said.
Newton said since he has a number of athletes, it’s easier to teach them. He likes the fact that he can start the program from a clean slate, since players will be up to learn.
“They’ve all come together in this melting pot in our gym to make it special for all of us,” Newton said.
Making a team, a program, and making history.
