Expectations for this year – I think honestly it’s probably cliché to say but just to have fun.”

Head coach Robert Lozinski-McLean

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Park’s first home game will be Tuesday, April 8 against Lakeville South.

Park’s Wolfpack goes their collective toes wet in the world of high school boys' volleyball with a club team last spring. But this year the Wolfpack – along with dozens of other Minnesota high school teams -- are going to jump into the sanctioned high school boys' volleyball waters.

Under the direction of head coach Robert Lozinski-McLean, the Wolfpack will play a full schedule this season, starting with a scrimmage Saturday at Woodbury High School against teams from Woodbury, East Ridge, St. Paul Johnson, Tartan and Stillwater, then the first varsity game at Hope Community Academy on Thursday, March 27.

Lozinski has been an assistant for the successful Park girls' volleyball team previously. He’ll be joined on the sidelines by Park head girls coach Amy Johnson and assistant head coach Kristina Jameson.

“Expectations for this year – I think honestly it’s probably cliché to say but just to have fun,” said Lozinski-McLean. “I have a good group of boys, some returners, some new. And so just building out the program again. Last year was our first year. So, ideally, having those returners back we have at least a little bit of structure in practice, some leadership on the court. But I just want them to have fun. That’s what I care about this season., and make sure we’re building that type of program.”

Heading the returners for the Wolfpack are setters Gavin Oberding and Davion Nguyen, middle hitter Owen Griswold. Newcomers who should do well for the Wolfpack on the front line include basketball player Leo Eiden-Giel and Lucian Lo.

“Strengths, we’re a very energic team,” said the Park coach. We’re also, I would say, strong in the back row. We still have some timing and skills like that to develop in the front row with our connection with the setter and hitters so that might be just an early part of the season weakness. But I think great defense leads to great offense so at least we have that started.

“My defensive players are returners, and they just know volleyball well,” Lozinski-McLean continued. “It’s not necessarily like I’m going to have to teach a ton of defense, whether it’s how to pass, the formations, things like that. So, when I say our strength is defense it’s just something I don’t have to start from ground zero.”

Park’s first home game will be Tuesday, April 8 against Lakeville South.