The Indiana's boys volleyball scene has grown significantly in recent years, culminating in its recognition as an emerging sport by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) in 2023. With the sport now gaining official recognition, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with the State tournament scheduled for May 13.
The tournament will highlight Indiana's top high school teams as they compete for the coveted State championship title. As the sport continues to grow, more schools are fielding competitive teams, and the level of play is expected to be higher than ever.
In Michiana, South Bend Riley High School had a strong boys volleyball performance during the 2024 season. Last year, they secured key victories over Penn High School and South Bend St. Joseph High School, starting the season 2-0.
In Northwest Indiana, several high schools have embraced the sport, establishing strong and competitive boys volleyball programs. Chesterton High School, Crown Point High School, Valparaiso High School, Merrillville High School, Lake Central High School, and Portage High School have been making waves on the court with strong performances in past seasons.
On Monday, March 24, the Chesterton High School Varsity Boys Volleyball team won its match against Boone Grove High School at Liberty Middle School by a score of 3-2. As a result, these teams are expected to be key contenders in the upcoming State tournament.
Valparaiso High School Boys Volleyball accomplished much last year. The team won Sectionals and finished with an impressive overall record of 29-2 (0.935 Win Pct) and a conference record of 19-1, securing first place in the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association (IBVCA). Valparaiso Boys Volleyball player Owen Morris will travel to Colorado Springs next week to attend the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program.
Valparaiso players David Behnke, Nick FioRito, Owen Morris, and Camden Rasmussen were also named to the IBVCA All-Region First Team. A special shoutout to now-alumni Nick FioRito for being chosen for the IBVCA North All-Star Team and to now-alumni Trey Nash for making the IBVCA Academic All-State Team for Boys Volleyball. This year, Valparaiso looks to accomplish even more.
One standout player, Mikelangelo Brutto, was recently recognized as the Crown Point High School player of the match after a stellar performance in a 3-0 victory over Merrillville High School on March 24. With more talented players like Ben Koster (Lake Central High School), Anthony Hood (Michigan City High School), Andrew Uhrick (Andrean High School), and Jack Rodriguez (Chesterton High School), the competition is shaping up to be fierce as these athletes aim to bring their teams to the top.
Portage High School is another program making significant strides in the boys volleyball scene. The team has shown steady improvement and is expected to be a serious contender in the 2025 season. With standout players like Edward Oziminski and Alex Razo leading the charge, Portage aims to make a deep run in the upcoming State tournament. The team’s hard work and determination have placed them among the rising programs in Indiana high school volleyball.
The growing interest in boys volleyball in Indiana is a testament to the passion and dedication of players, coaches, and fans. With continued support from the IBVCA and IHSAA, the sport is on track to become a mainstay in high school athletics across the state. As the 2025 season unfolds, players and teams will look to make their mark on the sport's rapidly expanding legacy, paving the way for future generations of athletes.
As the excitement builds for the state tournament on May 13, the spotlight will be on these talented teams and their athletes, who continue to fuel the growth and success of boys volleyball in Indiana.