After a decade of club play, three longtime rivals; Mayo, John Marshall, and Century High School have pooled their talents to become a Rochester co‑op boys volleyball team, under the banner of Mayo High School. In Minnesota, the sport has grown steadily at the club level for years, but it wasn’t until May 9, 2023, that the MSHSL voted to sanction boys volleyball beginning in 2024-25.
This spring, more than 90 teams across Minnesota have high school squads, including our own Rochester team. One of the biggest hurdles was simply gathering enough players. Individually, John Marshall and Century couldn’t field full rosters, so the Rochester Public Schools Board approved to launch a co-op team. Under head coach Deb Frederick and assistant coach Laura Priebe.
In a game versus East Ridge, Senior Ben Ragland jumps to set up a big block.
This unity of once‑rival programs has already started to pay off, with the Spartans sitting at a 5-1 record after a thrilling 3-2 reverse sweep over Austin. Mayo Senior middle hitter Ben Ragland admits that at first, “combining with the other schools felt really weird,” but he’s been impressed by how quickly teammates have forged connections on and off the court. “I think we need to get better as a team and learn to communicate,” he reflects, noting that consistent teamwork drills have been a primary focus.
Mayo Senior outside hitter Jackson Smith also believes, “We’re doing well right now but need to make sure we win with more authority,” adding that the squad’s collective confidence grows with each match. Despite early learning curves the squad’s goals remain high. Ragland is convinced that “we have the capability to win state” while Smith believes that by “fixing a couple things playing‑wise” they can “make it to state and win it all.”
Staring down the opposing team, Senior Logan McQuilkin breaks down the huddle as the Rochester Volleyball Team gets ready to play.
With daily practices, new league regulations and the full support of the Rochester community, the Spartans are rallying behind the dream of a state championship run. With state as the goal, the boys are determined to find their first playoff win and to keep their season alive.
As Rochester’s first official high school boys volleyball team, the Spartans are laying the groundwork not just for a successful season, but for a lasting legacy in Mayo High School’s storied athletic tradition. The entire team believes that, “the more people that come, the easier it will be.” With school finishing up, everyone should come to the games and support your Spartans, Panthers, and Rockets as they bump, set, and spike their way to state.
During the National Anthem, Rochester Boys Volleyball stands and faces the flag.
Photos courtesy of Regan Cunningham
