Columbus East High School

The Columbus East boys volleyball program continues to take shape as it enters another spring under the sanction of the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Head coach Kailey Davidson knows firsthand that growth won’t always be linear—but the progress happening inside the gym is real. The Olympians open their season tonight inside the Orange Pit at 6 p.m. with a varsity-only matchup against Floyd Central, marking another step forward for a program still laying its foundation. Despite offseason uncertainty about numbers, Davidson says the team has responded in a big way. “Coming into this season, the turnout was not that great at first. Graduating 12 seniors last year put us at a low number of returners,” Davidson said. “Now having close to 15 kids on the team is a big step forward for us. The guys are showing up consistently, working hard in practice, and really buying into improving as a team.” That commitment has given Davidson confidence—not just in the present, but in where the program is headed. “Overall, I’m very encouraged by where the roster stands right now,” she said. “We’re starting to build a strong foundation for the future, with players who are motivated and eager to compete.” As a relatively new sport at the high school level, simply getting athletes in the gym has been one of the biggest wins. “The interest this season in particular started out pretty low,” Davidson admitted. “A lot of students just weren’t familiar with the sport. But once they come out, try it, and experience the team environment, many of them are choosing to stick with it.” That retention, she says, is a major sign of progress. “You can see them starting to enjoy the game and being in the gym. That’s been the biggest sign of growth for us—not just initial turnout, but the fact that players are staying, having fun, and helping build something for the future.” With a roster that features many newcomers to the sport, the focus has been on building from the ground up. The effort has been there—now it’s about refining the details. “One of the biggest strengths is their willingness to learn and compete,” Davidson said. “They’ve come in with great attitudes, they’re coachable, and they bring a lot of energy every time they step into the gym.” At the same time, the Olympians are still developing the fundamentals. “We’re continuing to build consistency with passing, communication on the court, and overall game awareness,” she said. “Those are all areas that will improve with more experience and reps.” For Davidson, establishing the right culture is just as important as the on-court results. “The identity we want starts with effort and attitude,” she said. “We want to compete for every point, communicate well, and play with energy no matter the situation.” Equally important is building a connected team. “With a lot of guys still learning the game, it’s important that they trust each other, stay positive, and grow together. We want to represent our program the right way every time we step on the court.” Leadership has already begun to emerge, both from returning players and a group of newcomers eager to make their mark. “Kash Coers, Trevor Ernsts, and Aiden Sorrells have really stepped up early,” Davidson said. “They’ve brought leadership, consistency, and a strong work ethic.” New faces like Kam Robertson, Jax Branaman, and Josiah Shelton have also impressed. “They’ve come in ready to work, and you can already see their development and confidence starting to grow,” she added. “But really, the entire group deserves credit. The buy-in from everyone is what’s helping move the program forward.” As for what defines success this season, Davidson isn’t focused on the scoreboard. “For us, it goes well beyond wins and losses,” she said. “It’s about the growth we see day in and day out—improving fundamentals, understanding the game, and becoming more consistent as a team.” Just as important is the impact beyond volleyball. “If our players are becoming more disciplined, hardworking young men in their everyday lives, that’s a huge win for our program,” Davidson said. “Ultimately, if we finish the season better than we started—more confident, more connected, and more experienced—then that’s a successful year.” Tonight’s opener may just be the beginning, but for a program still carving out its identity, every rep, every point, and every match matters.