Sussex Academy boys’ volleyball building in 2024

Last year, the Sussex Academy boys’ volleyball team made the state tournament after winning seven of its last eight games to finish the regular season 8-6. Knocked out by Cape in the first round, the Seahawks are hoping to continue building the program in 2024.

“We lost seven seniors last year,” Seahawks coach Hailee Gooch said. “It’ll be a rebuilding year, and we’ll be really focusing on getting form down and learning to gel again.”

Three seniors – Emmanuel Charles-Aine, Cohen Burnes and Eon Gonzales – will lead Sussex Academy this spring, with senior Ethan Boladas helping out when not running track.

“We still have a long way to go, but we’ll get there eventually. I think there’s great prospects for this season,” Burnes said.

Gooch said the three will be part of the core of five players returning from last season’s tournament squad. The other two are a pair of athletic freshmen – Desmond Davis and Mack Lawson. The Henlopen Coach of the Year this past fall during the girls' season, Gooch has been impressed with the work Lawson has put in during the off-season.

“We’ve seen travel ball develop Mack in the front and back rows,” Gooch said. “His contributions will be a key aspect for this year.”

Gooch has been impressed with the attitude and mindset her players have had so far. She believes the team’s grit, desire to improve and positive approach will help the Seahawks secure some wins.

Charles-Aine, Burnes and Gonzales are charter members of the school’s volleyball program and have seen firsthand how the team has grown.

“Starting our first year, we couldn’t pass the ball ... we could barely get it over the net,” Charles-Aine said, adding the team has worked hard to make its mark.

Gonzales agrees and hopes more kids come out to play and enjoy the sport like he does.

“Starting volleyball four years ago, I thought it was a day-to-day thing, but it came to be a passion of mine,” Gonzales said.

Sussex Academy will jump into its first game at 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, hosting Cape. The Seahawks will travel to Delmarva Christian to play the Royals at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 21.