Meriden proclaims 'Maloney Boys Volleyball Team Day' after state title

Mayor Kevin Scarpati opened the Aug. 4 Meriden City Council meeting by reading a proclamation honoring the 2025 Francis T. Maloney High School boys volleyball team for winning the CIAC Class L state championship on June 13, 2025.

The proclamation, read by Scarpati, noted Maloney’s 24–2 season and a five-set championship victory over previously unbeaten Conard High School. The mayor credited head coach Kevin Zavase — a member of Maloney’s 2005 title team — and announced Aug. 5, 2025, as Maloney Boys Volleyball Team Day in Meriden, with individual citations to be distributed by the coaching staff.

Coach Kevin Zavase thanked the mayor and council for recognizing the team and credited parents, volunteers and athletes for the program’s turnaround: “It takes a village to raise a child,” he said, praising the commitment that produced the school’s first state title since 2005. Several players addressed the council, thanking teammates, coaches and family; Derek Morgan said prayer and team unity helped carry the squad through the season, and London Cheeks described the recognition as an expression of perseverance in the face of doubt.

The mayor said the team’s banner will be enshrined in the Maloney gymnasium and urged the players to keep up the work as they pursue future opportunities on and off the court. The council and mayor closed the recognition with applause and the formal proclamation.

The council then moved on to the public-input portion of the meeting.