The Vikings men’s volleyball team played their annual alumni game against current players. The current team won in five sets, 3–2.
Former LBCC athlete Joshua Nehls, who led the Vikings to a state championship in 2016, now serves as head coach, making the night a full circle moment for the program.
Alumni from as far back as 2008 through 2021 returned to compete, making it a great opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the team’s history.
Current members of the team enjoy this game because it can teach them new things.
“Connecting with the alumni was especially meaningful since one of them is now their coach. It gives the team added insight and perspective, along with constant encouragement to compete hard and “always be a dog.’” said current LBCC student Nathan Thai.
Alumni students like Devyn Zavala, who played from 2018-2020, credits LBCC for the way his career path played out.
“Had I gone to a different school outside of LBCC I think my career path would be different as well as my volleyball journey,” Zavala said.
The alumni games help the current team practice like they would play in a real game, hard and fighting for every point.
“This year’s team is super competitive, they are fighting for every single point and they even ended up beating us tonight.” Kristopher Johnson, another former LBCC player from the 2008 team, said.
There are current students who enjoy the alumni game as it helps show the history of the teams before them.
“Having the alumni back helps us see everything that built the program into what it is today and the state championships and the high level of players who came before us.” Travis Brown, current LBCC student, said.
If it wasn’t for LBCC some alumni say they would not have played volleyball or even been able to transfer.
“I learned a lot from the team at the same time and it helped me grow,” Krisopher Johnson, a member of the 2008 team, said.
Rupert Scott, a former member of the 2014–2015 team, shared how the team felt like family when he attended LBCC.
“When I first joined the team it was shortly after moving to America, the team immediately felt like family to me,” Scott said.
Scott, who went on to play at the Division one level then moved on to play at the professional level as well, added that many of those teammates and old coaches remain some of his closest friends today.
The Vikings place a strong emphasis on friendship, culture, and being great teammates values that are clearly reflected in traditions like this.
The LBCC men’s volleyball team is off to an 11–7 start and 5–3 in conference play, with plenty of the season still ahead.
