SHS To Form New Volleyball Team for Boys

For years Scarsdale has had a strong girls' varsity volleyball program and now boys will have a chance to try the game too. Scarsdale High School has finally decided to start a boys varsity volleyball team, the first in Westchester County. Now that the district budget has passed there is funding available for the program to begin this fall. Despite interest in the past, support for boys volleyball never picked up enough momentum beyond interest at a club level. However, under the leadership of Scarsdale High School's new Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi and the girls varsity volleyball coach Ann Marie Nee, boys' volleyball is now a reality.

A volleyball program will add opportunities for boys during the fall season. "Until now, the only fall sports offered for boys were football, soccer and cross country. Volleyball offers an experience very different from those choices", said Mr. Pappalardi.

Pre-season for the team begins on August 22, 2016 at noon and will serve as tryouts for the fall season. Practices will be held every day directly after school, once school begins. The boys' team will share facilities with the girls' team, however, they will not practice together.

Some of the other schools nearby that have boys varsity volleyball teams include Suffern, Clarkstown North, and Clarkstown South. Scarsdale High School expects to have one varsity boys team, however if there is enough interest then it is possible that a junior varsity team will be formed as well. For some of the less skilled players SHS is offering clinics and an intramural league.

SHS is currently holding open gyms from 7:30-9:00 pm every Monday and Wednesday night for the remainder of the school year for all high school students. The Scarsdale Village Recreation Department is also offering co-ed clinics for current 8th graders at high school on Mondays and Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 p.m. These open gym times and clinics are a good opportunity for incoming freshman and any current high school students who might be interested in giving volleyball a try.

There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, June 7th at 3:05 pm in room 383 at Scarsdale High School for all boys interested in trying out for the inaugural boys volleyball team.