When looking back on the Fountain Hills High School Boys’ volleyball team’s first season it is important to look past the simplified story that the team’s record shows and instead look at how far the program, still in its infancy, has come in a season.

The Falcons finished their season with a 4-13 record going 2-7 in their section, but for a team whose existence was still up in the air a week before the season started FHHS volleyball has come a long way.

“When you look at where the team started and where the team finished there is a world of difference,” Head coach Halle Harker said. “A lot of the guys had never even played volleyball before this season, so our goal was by the end to be able to understand and play smart volleyball. I think that the guys who stuck around really showed that so I am super please about that.”

Harker credits her players for sticking with the program and being a leader to one and another in their own way.

“To me everyone on the team led in their own unique ways,” Harker said. “A.J Hernandez was one of those players who was quieter but led with his actions on and off the court. Alex Nonhof, one of our players who had volleyball experience was a vocal leader, who was always cheering on his fellow players and then of course there was Andrew O’Neil who got his teeth knocked out playing but still came to every game to cheer us on from the sidelines.”

Another measure for success for Harker this season was the excitement that her team now has for the sport of volleyball.

“One of my favorite memories from this season was after our last game when the guys asked ‘so Coach, do we have practice tomorrow,’” Harker said. “They were disappointed that the season was done because they just wanted to keep playing. To help them develop that love for a sport I also love was satisfying.

Harker will not be returning to coach the Falcons next year, but has faith the program is going to keep moving in the right direction.

“I think now with a year under the program’s belt the school recognizes how much interest there is from the students for a boys volleyball team,” Harker said. “We had a lot of sophomores who have made a lot of progress this season and I know will continue to do so next season.”