6-24. That was the Boys’ Varsity overall record for the 2023-24 season, with wins only against Proviso West, Christ the King, Ridgewood, North Chicago, De La Salle, and Rochelle Zell Jewish. Though the boys played 26 teams that season, they went only 1-3 in their conference. But that was last year. As we enter the next season with an all-new team, the boys already have 15 matches scheduled, with their first non-conference game on March 2nd against Walther Christian Academy. So let’s see how the boys feel about this year and what’s to come for them.
Meet the Team
The boys’ season officially started on Friday, March 13, giving them 20 days until their first match. During their team photos, I got the chance to talk to multiple players on the Freshman, JV, and Varsity levels, getting their insights and expectations for this year’s team and season.
Beginning with the Freshman team, coached by Matthew Weignburg, I specifically wanted to talk to the five freshmen who were continuing their volleyball careers at EPHS after their EMS season ended. When asked, “What are your biggest weaknesses and greatest strengths?” Manuel Fontanez answered, “My height would be my biggest weakness, but my passing would be my greatest strength.” Meanwhile, Matteo Alday said that his height is his greatest strength, but his right hand is his biggest weakness, as he is a natural lefty.
As freshmen, high school will ultimately be a whole new experience compared to what they have done in the past. Knowing this, the boys said that they know it’s going to be hard, but it’s worth it in the end, and they’re all very excited about the next couple of years they have to offer at EPHS.
Although there are a great number of sophomores playing this year, they’re divided between the JV and Varsity teams. Starting with our JV sophomores, I got to talk to Anthony Ramirez and Zayd Lahlou-Nabil. With Lahlou going into his fourth year of volleyball, he expressed that he is “very optimistic about [his] team and their ability to win games… so I think that we’ll have a winning season and go on to win regionals.” Although Ramirez is in his first year, he shows the same enthusiasm for his team and their upcoming season.
In addition to interviewing the boys, I got the chance to see the family-like relationship they all have as a team. Specifically, I spoke with three sophomore boys on Varsity who seemed to be inseparable: Chris Morales, David Platowski, and Marco Sina.
“It’s a really great team so far, I love my teammates, all of them, and I think we’re going very far this season,” Sina said when asked how he feels about his team this year. Considering all three boys were on JV last year, I asked how they felt about being placed on Varsity this year and how this season is going to go because of it. Platowski answered, “We’re just going to bring that same chemistry from JV to Varsity and work as a team while combining with the other players on Varsity.”
Lastly, when asked how he feels about the point he’s currently at in his volleyball career, Morales stated, “I feel good about the spot I’m in, and I worked hard in the offseason to get here.”
With all three of their answers, you can see the dedication, knowledge, and relationships they’ve built on and off the court, truly reflecting the smart players they are and the commitment they put in for the team and themselves.
Coach’s Corner
However, no matter how good the players are, they wouldn’t be where they are without their coaches.
Beginning with the head Varsity coach, Ms. Stanton, this is her second year coaching Boys’ Varsity and her fourth year coaching Girls’ Varsity. Just by her experience, you can tell how dedicated she is to the EP teams and her mission to take them as far as she can. Nevertheless, we all know she is an amazing coach who supports her team, so I wanted to find out something more unique.
“What does leadership mean to you personally?” was the question I asked Coach Stanton, to which she answered, “I believe it’s two things: doing the things you’re asked to do, but also doing the things when nobody else is watching. Being a leader is setting an example for everyone else, so when I ask them to set up or take down the nets and leave the gym, they’ll do it, proving to me their dedication.”
Additionally, the boys’ JV coach, Ms. Merkouris, who is going on her 14th year of coaching at EP, answered this same question with, “Accountability is a big thing—being accountable for your team and also yourself.”
With both coaches’ responses to this very distinctive question, it’s clear what they truly value in their players and their team
Senior Spotlight
With every new season comes a new group of seniors who are in the last stretch of their high school journey at EPHS. Since boys’ volleyball is a spring sport, it is the Class of 2025’s last chance to make their mark in the Elmwood Park sports world.
As I interviewed the Varsity team, I was able to speak specifically with one of our current graduating seniors, Jermayne Ruiz. I wanted to know how he felt about his history here and what he hopes to move on to very shortly.
Jermayne Ruiz, showing high enthusiasm right off the bat during his interview, is a four-year athlete, taking his position on the court as Varsity’s setter. When talking to him, I asked how he felt about this being his last year on the team and how his career here has been, to which he answered, “It was definitely an enjoyable ride since I was a transfer here. It was fun to see everyone grow into the amazing people and athletes they are now. But I’m definitely going to miss it after we make it to regionals.”
Moreover, Ruiz honestly said, “Though there were some chemistry problems last year, I feel a stronger bond with my team and believe that we truly can make it far this year.” Ruiz expressed how much he loves his teammates and the game, and while he is very sad, he is also happy to close this chapter of his life.
After getting to talk to and observe most of the team, I can confidently say that no matter how the season goes analytically, it will definitely be a year to remember—not only for the team but also for the fans. On that note, I hope EP fans are as excited as I am to see this team in action and how far they’re going to take it this year.
Works Cited:
A. Ramirez, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
B. Stanton, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
C. Morales, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
D. Platowski, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
J. Ruiz, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
K. Merkouris, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
M. Alday, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
M. Fontanez. personal communication, March 17, 2025.
M. Sina, personal communication, March 17, 2025.
Z. Lahlou-Nabil, personal communication, March 17, 2025.