38 NOVEMBER 2025 By Mallory Gleich What began as a student-led club has officially evolved into Arcadia High’s first- ever boys beach volleyball team – and for the players who made the roster, this has the makings to become a legacy. A year ago, seniors Jack Wahl and Bennett Murphy created a volleyball club. Joined by fellow students Bradley Sayre and Jackson Folger as officers, the group grew quickly. About 15 to 20 boys met after school twice a week to learn, play, and fuel their passion for volleyball – even traveling to Pinnacle High for Friday night matches. Now, under the leadership of Coach Sam Costanzo, Arcadia has officially fielded a team. Tryouts in August drew 30 hopefuls, and although the roster had to be capped at 14, the squad has come together, fueled by hard work and a passion for the game. “Arcadia doesn’t have a boys’ indoor team, but most of our seniors are close friends who’ve been playing beach together for the last three years,” Costanzo – a veteran coach and counselor who returned to his Arcadia roots after retiring from the PV School District – said. “I couldn’t ask for a better team of student athletes who have a solid work ethic, outstanding sportsmanship, and are a lot of fun to be around.” Coach Costanzo brings decades of experience to the sand, having coached at the freshman, JV, varsity, and club levels. A former club volleyball player at NAU, his passion for beach volleyball was sparked in the 1980s while playing in leagues at Indian School Park and Mission Beach. “I never thought beach volleyball would become an AIA-approved sport,” he said. “Watching legends like Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos inspired me as a young player. Now, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the sport grow and to be part of Arcadia.” “I’ve played several sports, but something about volleyball, the team spirit, and great guys who would show up for the club every week made me want to push for a school team. It’s great that it happened during our senior year,” Jack Wahl said. The season ran from September 8 to October 29, with 10 scheduled matches – four away and six at the new SUSD sand courts on 68th Street and Oak. As of press time, the Titans were 2-6, but two of their losses came in close 2-3-point battles, showcasing the team’s resilience and potential. “My first experience with volleyball was in middle school PE. I realized then how much fun it was. I played club volleyball but was eager to play the sport and represent my high school,” senior Bennett Murphy said. “After a couple years, that dream was realized. This has been such a great culmination of teamwork, perseverance, and all those pieces falling into place.” Because beach volleyball is still relatively new to many high schools, the West Valley Division (where Arcadia competes) doesn’t have any rivalries – yet. However, the culture is starting to take shape, and with each match, the Titans are helping to set the tone. The pair-based format means each duo competes in matches that demand not only athleticism but also strong connection. Those who’ve played together longer tend to find success more quickly. Even after the fall season ends, the volleyball momentum at Arcadia doesn’t stop. The original club, which laid the foundation for the current team, will continue in the spring, giving new players and multi-sport athletes another opportunity to get involved and grow the program. Coach Costanzo believes this is just the beginning. “We practice two to three times a week and focus on fundamentals, repetition, and building player communication. The growth I’ve seen is incredible. This sport will only get stronger with time,” he said. Arcadia’s first boys beach volleyball team has already left a mark, proving that sometimes, the best teams start with a few determined players and a little patch of sand. Arcadia High debuts boys beach volleyball Christ Church School 1/4 V ARCADIA TITANS  BOYS BEACH VOLLEYBALL PAIRS Jack Folger / Bradley Sayre – seniors Bennett Murphy (senior) / Dominik Gajlewicz (junior) Jack Wahl / Lance Wiggington – seniors Andres Cordova / Casey Krawczyk – seniors Max Mueller (senior) / Johnny McCormack (freshman) Easton Pagano (senior) / Brody Truax (freshman) Aiden West (freshman) – alternate (front) Bennett Murphy, Johnny McCormack, Lance Wiggington, Aiden West, Andres Cordova, Easton Pagano, Jack Wahl and Coach Sam Costanzo. (back) Brody Truax, Casey Krawczyk, Dominic Gajlewicz, Bamelak Yaye, Max Mueller, Jackson Folger and Bradley Sayre. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY KRAWCZYK The growth I’ve seen is incredible. This sport will only get stronger with time. P R E S C H O O L - E L E M E N T A R Y