This year, the boys on North High’s volleyball team put in endless hours of hard work and were dedicated to their sport which they proved in their run at playoffs.

The boys’ volleyball team posing for a photo (Credit: Instagram).

By the end of the season, the team placed second in one of the most competitive divisions, winning a total of nine games and losing eight of them.  

Coach Mangan pushed the players to work hard during practices and compete at their best level. The team captains, Aaron Lavi, Luke Cronin, Gavin Hakimian, and Dylan Hakimian, each used their distinct leadership skills to bring the team a win.

Junior Andrew Suh spoke about the impact the captains had on the team.

“All the captains really stepped it up this year by pushing all the players to their potential, allowing the team to have such a successful season,” Suh said.

Captains Gavin Hakimian, Luke Cronin, Dylan Hakimian, and Aaron Lavi posing for the camera at senior night (Credit: Instagram).

In addition to the team’s successes, many individual players received recognition.  Seniors Aaron Lavi, Luke Cronin, and Gavin Hakimian received All-County honors.  All Conference designations were obtained by Seniors Dylan Hakimian and Dylan Kohanim as well as junior Alex Kamali.

Gavin Hakimian spoke about what he believed drove the team to success.

“The team really transformed into a family, and our success as a team and the success of individuals is due to that,” Hakimian said. 

The first playoff game was played against South High’s team. The game took place at North and the gym was packed with students from the rival schools. Students also had the opportunity to watch the game on a live stream. North had a 3-0 win. 

Junior Jacob Malekan spoke on this win. 

“It was so great to win against South and advance to the semi-finals,” Malekan said. “It was a great game with great energy.”

The boys’ volleyball team at the quarter-finals game against South (Credit: Instagram).

Following this remarkable victory, the team went on to compete in the semi-finals. This was the third time in North’s history that the team competed in the county semi-finals. They competed against Roslyn and played at Long Beach High School. Unfortunately, the team lost 0-3.

Despite their loss, the players reflected on their accomplishments and remained optimistic about the future of their team. 

“Just to be a part of this journey with my brothers was a blessing,” junior Coby Kalimian said. “We aren’t putting our heads down yet. Next year, we are coming back stronger and hungrier with more motivation than ever because it’s Coach Mangan’s last year.” 

Junior Joseph Edelman looked back on the bonds built between him and his teammates throughout the season.

“We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we trust, respect, and pick up one another on and off the court,” Edelman said.