Embedded Files
History
History
The NCSSM-Durham boys volleyball program began in the fall of 2022 thanks to the passion and persistence of Felix Kritzinger, a junior and manager for the girls volleyball team. Determined to bring boys volleyball to campus, Felix approached Sue Anne Lewis—assistant coach of the girls team—about leading the effort. After initially saying no (more than once), she ultimately agreed, and the program was born.
With strong support from the Vice Chancellor of Student Life, the newly formed team competed in its first season in spring 2023. In its inaugural year, the team finished with an 8–4 record and earned a spot in the top-16 tournament in Charlotte after a playoff win against Riverside.
Helping make the season possible, Community Coordinators Ross Knight and Wesley Morris stepped up as sponsors, managing administrative tasks and transporting players to away games—since Head Coach Lewis couldn’t fit the full team in one vehicle. Ross continues to serve with the program, while the 2025 season was Wesley's final season before moving on from NCSSM.
Since that first season, interest in the program has only grown, with 20–33 students trying out each year. What started as a student’s idea has quickly become one of NCSSM-Durham’s fastest-growing sports.
The NCSSM Volleyball Handbook is the cornerstone of our program. It outlines our core values, our expectations for players on and off the court, and our commitment to building a competitive and positive team culture. We encourage all prospective players and their families to read it to gain a full understanding of what it means to be a part of our program.
The NCSSM Volleyball Handbook is the cornerstone of our program. It outlines our core values, our expectations for players on and off the court, and our commitment to building a competitive and positive team culture. We encourage all prospective players and their families to read it to gain a full understanding of what it means to be a part of our program.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The NCSSM-Durham Boys Volleyball Program is dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes through competitive play, intentional skill development, and a team-first mindset. As a residential school representing students from across North Carolina, we aim to grow the game statewide while building a program rooted in discipline, resilience, and integrity. Whether new to the sport or experienced, our athletes are challenged to grow on and off the court and to represent our school with pride, humility, and purpose.
The NCSSM-Durham Boys Volleyball Program is dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes through competitive play, intentional skill development, and a team-first mindset. As a residential school representing students from across North Carolina, we aim to grow the game statewide while building a program rooted in discipline, resilience, and integrity. Whether new to the sport or experienced, our athletes are challenged to grow on and off the court and to represent our school with pride, humility, and purpose.
Core Values
Core Values
Our program is built on seven core pillars that guide our actions, define our culture, and drive our success. Every member of the team is expected to embody these values both on and off the court.
Respect: We show respect for our teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and the game itself. This includes treating everyone with dignity, listening to others, and valuing different perspectives.
Humility: We approach every challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn. We acknowledge our mistakes, celebrate our teammates' successes, and understand that individual greatness is a byproduct of a great team.
Accountability: We take ownership of our actions and their impact on the team. This means being on time, fulfilling our responsibilities, and holding ourselves and our teammates to the highest standards.
Integrity: We act with honesty and strong moral principles. We do the right thing even when no one is watching, whether that's in the classroom, on the court, or in our daily lives.
Commitment: We are fully dedicated to the program's goals. This includes putting in the work at practice, taking care of our bodies, and prioritizing the team over individual desires.
Teamwork: We operate as a unified whole. We support each other, communicate effectively, and understand that our collective effort will always outweigh individual talent.
Relentless Effort: We give our best effort in every single drill, practice, and game. We understand that hard work is the cornerstone of improvement and a championship mentality.
Page updated
Report abuse