Carlos Gray has come across his fair share of challenges during his 12 years as head coach of the Malibu High boys volleyball team. This year won’t be anything different.
Due to low numbers, Malibu will only field a varsity team this season. Eleven players make up the entire program, with no junior varsity team existing.
While the future of the program might be in question, Gray would rather pour all his focus into this year’s team and give them their just due.
“Right now I just want this team to function at a high level. We have a lot of new guys playing positions,” Gray said. “We are in a really tough league. We are going to do our best.”
Coming off a 2012 campaign where the Sharks finished third in the Tri-Valley League and made the CIF playoffs with an overall record of 11-9, MHS returns four starters who will be making the transition to new positions.
Seniors Joey Gray (Carlos’ son) and Alex Eddy join juniors Chris Papavassiliou and Jonathan Baldwin to form an experienced group of returning players eager for success. There will be some shuffling of positions this season as coach Gray has transitioned to a nontraditional 6-2 offensive attack, which means the Sharks will use two setters on the court at the same time. Most teams use only one setter.
“You know what really excites me is trying to find that right kind of combination. It’s kind of like a puzzle,” Gray said. “I’ve never had to change around and run an unorthodox serve-and-receive pattern. And this year because of our passing and ball control, I have to. It’s those challenges, trying to find where the pieces fit and going from there.”
Papavassiliou earned first-team All-League honors a year ago, while Joey Gray was a second-team All-League selection. Carlos Gray emphasized how important his two team captains are to the team.
“Joey, that’s a tough one because he’s my son. I feel for him because he has to deal with me as a coach and as his dad. I’m demanding as a coach but I’m a monster as a dad,” Gray said with laughter. “But it’s a blessing to coach him in his senior year.
“Chris is a great leader. He is an emotional and physical leader on the court. He’s a coach on the floor and knows my expectations. I appreciate him as a player.”
Joey Gray displays tremendous athleticism and command while playing outside hitter. Competing for his dad is a unique situation but one that he has embraced with affection and admiration.
“Playing for my dad is like playing for any person who coaches you. You have to see it more as coach and player rather than a father-son relationship on the court,” Joey said. “I have a really big amount of respect for all the stuff that he has taught me.”
Papavassiliou will serve as one of the team’s setters but will also have the opportunity to play outside hitter because of the team’s offensive attack.
“I’m really excited because we know we have a whole new lineup. We switched to a six-two lineup so I will be setting and hitting,” Papavassiliou said. “I feel I have more responsibility. It’s going to be a fun season.”
Setting alongside Papavassiliou will be Baldwin, who played libero on last year’s team. Baldwin grew four inches over the past year and is ready for his dual role.
“I’m very excited about it. It’s going to be good this year with both me and Chris hitting and setting at the same time,” Baldwin said. “Last year I was in the back row playing defense and now I’m all around the court and up on the net.”
Eddy will set the tone offensively and defensively as the middle blocker and senior Misael Espinoza takes over at the libero position.
The Sharks began the season with wins against Hueneme, 3-1, and Cate, 3-1, and suffered a 3-0 loss to Oak Park.
“This is a great group of guys who will run through a brick wall. They deserve to have a great season,” Carlos Gray said. “The effort is as high, if not higher, than any team I have ever had. I just need to get the skill level to match that effort.”