Proctor/Hermantown boys volleyball excited to become fully sanctioned sport

After a battle that began over two years ago the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) officially approved boys volleyball as a fully sanctioned sport starting in the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday.

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On Friday WDIO caught up with the Proctor/Hermantown Norsemen to hear their thoughts on what they call a long overdue change.

“It’s awesome, now that’s going to become more popular and more funding there’s just going to be more opportunities in general. It’ll bring more people into the sport I think. If there’s going to be more people that are coming this year because it’s a sanctioned sport or next year, just try to be helpful and try to be encouraging,” said Junior captain Will Zierden.

“It’s exciting for next season to be able to actually say that I play volleyball and not a club team. So it’s just fun to know that next year that I can even get like a letter for it now on my letterman’s jacket. So that’s just pretty exciting for me,” added junior Dane Oman.

According to the Minnesota Boy’s High School Volleyball Association close to 120 boys volleyball teams from more than 50 schools were in action last season. With that number growing annually and looking for more improvement in the coming seasons.

“These guys are doing great. We need more up and coming players, you know, more talent. Having success they’re going to be hyped about it and tell their friends, we just need to spread the word,” continued head coach Ryan Wright.

“Getting up to a sanctioned sport is great and just getting support from the fans and other people. It just feels awesome to have it as an actual sport,” concluded junior captain John Jannucci.