Head Coach David Proffitt and the San Diego Mesa men's volleyball team are off to a strong start with an 8-1 record. Their only loss was against Orange Coast College, the same team they faced in last season's state championship.

Despite this setback, the team is set for another successful season.  Once again,they are expected to contend for the conference title and make a deep run in the state championships. This team is a blend of experienced and first year players who have bought into the  the Mesa volleyball culture. Proffitt and his staff are have been impressed with the team's mental toughness and ability to learn from mistakes, often discussing strategies for moving past both individual and team errors."We have a good group of student-athletes," says Proffitt. "The guys have really bonded as a team and blurred the lines between sophomores and freshmen."

While the team's start has been good, there's still room for improvement, particularly on blocking and defense. Furthermore, Proffitt wants to establish a strong defensive identity, with an emphasis on slowing down attacks at the net and making quality digs as they enter conference play.

Sophomore Trevor Clark has emerged as the team's clear leader. The 6'9" six-rotation outside hitter, who moves like a libero, currently leads the 3C2A in kills (155) and kills per set (5.54). He also ranks third in aces per set (0.6 SAPS).

Freshman Cole Myrick from Clovis West High School has been a valuable addition, capably filling the outside hitter 2 position, where he has excelled. The team is excited to see his continued growth as he sees more time on the court. 

Veteran leadership has been a key strength, particularly from Logan Shepard. Proffitt praises Shepard for effectively connecting the middles and making sound decisions during matches. Shepard currently ranks second in the state in assists per game (10.21). Sophomore libero Ryan Koser has also stepped up as a leader, ranking fourth in the state in total digs (67) and sixth in digs per set (2.68).

Every season brings new team dynamics, and this year is no exception. The coaching staff navigates a mix of player combinations, personalities, and abilities. A key difference from last year's state runner-up team is the experience of this squad. "It is impossible to predict what this team can achieve," Proffitt adds. "We are more experienced than last year. We have a number of returners who played in the championship match, and those players are driven to get back. The competition in the 3C2A is tough, so anything can happen. We're focusing on one match at a time."

This program has a history of getting better as the season progresses. This year's team is no different. The coaching staff gets creative at practices. Proffitt believes in keeping practices competitive and engaging by introducing new strategies, systems, and competitions. "The season can be long, so creativity in practice keeps the spark alive. If we keep the excitement and engagement high, then the quality of volleyball will hopefully take off."