Students, parents and coaches urge Wake County to sanction boys volleyball

Dozens of students, parents and coaches told the Wake County Board of Education that boys volleyball should be added as a sanctioned high‑school sport so students can compete under their school banners, access athletic trainers and pursue college recruiting opportunities.

At a public‑comment block that drew more than two dozen student speakers, Rohit Kumar, a high‑school student and organizer, said the sport is among the fastest growing in North Carolina and that many Wake County players now rely on unaffiliated clubs or rec centers. "People will find a way to play, though," Kumar said. "But those places won't support them to be the individuals that Wake County can support them to be."

Other student speakers described how volleyball changed their social life and physical fitness, and cited local tournament success and increased participation as evidence of strong demand. Abhinav Moturi of Green Level High School told the board that sanctioning a boys team would boost recruitment and scholarship opportunities, and that equipment and facilities could be shared with girls programs. Eli Jones said club costs make the sport inaccessible to many families and that adding a school team would expand opportunity.

Parents and coaches also spoke in favor. Coach Keisha Demps, who described her son’s progress from sand courts to national competition, asked the board: "Why not our boys?" Parent Mark Dixon and other parents described offers from local organizations to provide a fully funded season while the sport gains statewide sanctioning, and urged athletics staff to accept interim proposals that would let players compete through school programs before the NCHSAA adopts the sport.

Board members acknowledged the student and community enthusiasm but noted operational hurdles. Chair Chris Haggerty and others said athletics logistics — officials, coaches, trainer coverage, and scheduling around other fall and spring sports — must be worked through. Board members also flagged staffing limits in the central athletics office and the way athletic director resources vary by school.

There was no formal board vote on the matter during the meeting. Superintendent and athletics staff said they would continue to review proposals and encouraged advocates to engage the district's athletics staff and calendar/operations committees. Several board members asked staff to produce an options briefing (costs, staffing, facility and scheduling impacts) so the board could consider possible next steps.

Community members who testified said they want a clear path to immediate school‑based play before or while the North Carolina High School Athletic Association considers statewide sanctioning. Those speakers asked the district to consider temporary or pilot models that minimize cost and administrative burden on athletic directors while providing student athletes with school affiliation and oversight.

The board did not take formal action at the meeting on boys volleyball but several members said they supported exploring options and requested further staff analysis.