Season Recap: 18s Division – Platinum, Purple & Pink




The 2024–2025 club season was one for the books. Our 18s division—Platinum, Purple, and Pink—each carried their own fire, fought their own battles, and found their own version of success. From high-stakes rallies to locker room breakthroughs, this trio of teams made sure that Prevail Volleyball Club was on the map—and in the conversation—every weekend.

Here’s how each team left their mark.


18 Platinum – A Season to Remember

Coach Kasey didn’t hesitate when asked to sum it up:
“As a coach, this past season is one of those seasons you remember for a lifetime.”

Setting the Standard

The goal was ambitious: make Gold Playoffs in every junior event. But for this group, it wasn’t about talent alone—it was about buy-in. From the start, these athletes committed to the process. They competed in practice with the same intensity as in tournaments. They embraced roles—starters, servers, bench leaders—and recognized that every job mattered. It was that unity, that willingness to compete for something bigger, that elevated their game.

Top 5 Moments that Defined the Journey

Coach Kasey shared his personal top five moments from the season:

  1. Winning the AAU York Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row—an impressive streak.

  2. The grudge match against ACAD in Pittsburgh—after beating them in a 22-20 third-set thriller at Nationals last summer, the boys faced them again. Down 13-9 in the third, they clawed back to win 18-16 and advance to the quarterfinals.

  3. The St. James Invitational was redemption in action. After a disappointing early exit last year, the boys returned to face one of the toughest pools of the tournament. They went 3-0 in pool play, beat MVP and Warren Sixpack in playoffs, and narrowly lost to the #1 team in the country—Triangle 17s—in a three-set final.

  4. Beating college teams including Drew, Eastern, Elizabethtown, Cairn, and King’s College across two events. At Elizabethtown, they finished second out of ten college-level teams.

  5. Jonny’s endurance—pushing through cramps in both the Etown Invitational and Cleveland Championship matches, a physical example of the team’s toughness.

Growth and Grit

Coach Kasey saw one of the team’s biggest strides in their ability to compete consistently—not just during game days, but every single practice. That mental toughness became their trademark.

A Roster Built Across the State

One of the most unique elements of 18 Platinum was their diverse background. Players came from high schools across Pennsylvania. They didn’t grow up playing together—but they grew together quickly. That wide net of talent, when combined with Prevail’s culture, produced something special.

Coach’s Message:
“I’m proud of each of these guys—not just for what they accomplished, but for how they matured. They became better leaders, better men, and teammates who truly understood what it meant to grow. Take that mindset into graduation and into life. I can’t wait to see where you go next.”

Season Snapshot

  • Record: 31-11

  • Top Finishes:

    • 1st – JBJ Holiday Showcase

    • 1st – Volleyball East @ Prevail

    • 1st – AAU York Grand Prix

    • 2nd – Nike FreezeFest Cleveland

    • 2nd – St. James Invitational

    • 2nd – Etown Invitational (college event)

  • National Rank: 26th of 478

  • State Rank: 1st in Pennsylvania


18 Purple – Respected. Relentless. Rooted in Process.

“We routinely competed with and pushed the best teams in the country,” Coach Lamar shared—a simple but powerful truth that defined 18 Purple’s season.

Chasing Growth, Not Just Gold

Their singular goal: Reach our full potential. Do it with respect. Do it with honor.
That focus shaped every match, every huddle, and every decision. They didn’t need to be loud to make noise. Instead, they built a culture where the process was everything, and the results followed.

Turning Points and Highlights

After a challenging finish at Snowball Slam, the team refused to let it define them. They regrouped, locked in, and came back firing on all cylinders at JBJ, where they took the first set from the 10th-ranked team in the country. It wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about the statement they made: we belong here.

A True Volleyball Family

One thing that stood out? The shared roots. With several athletes from the same high school, this team had a built-in foundation of trust, connection, and accountability. That chemistry translated into tighter coverage, smarter plays, and a willingness to fight for each other.

Coach’s Message:
“When you commit to the process, trust the system, and stay the course—great things happen. You’ve lived that truth this season.”

Season Snapshot

  • JBJ Atlantic City Invitational (Open): 4th

  • AAU York Grand Prix (Open): 7th

  • The St. James Invitational (Open): 13th

  • Nike FreezeFest (Open): 14th

  • Snowball Slam (Open): 19th

  • Played a full Open-level schedule alongside 18 Platinum


18 Pink – Dynamic, Creative, and Fearless

When asked to summarize the season, Coach Nick had just one word:
“Awesome.”
And if you watched 18 Pink play, you know exactly what he meant.

Creativity with Purpose

This team wasn’t built on convention. It was built on daring offense and fearless serving. Coach Nick pushed his players to serve to zones—inside the 10-foot line, down the line, into seams—and the team responded with precision and confidence.

Offensively, the team avoided cookie-cutter volleyball. Rather than running basic sets, players were empowered to call their own plays—as long as they communicated. At times, Coach Nick stood back and watched as his team ran a play without him even knowing. That autonomy and trust made the game come alive.

Highlight Moments

  • Season Opener – Undefeated, didn’t drop a set all tournament

  • Final Away Tournament – Another undefeated showing to close the season strong

Biggest Growth Area: Coverage

Coverage became their calling card.
They started with nine players and finished with seven—numbers that made traditional training hard. But the team adapted. They simulated blocks, rotated roles, and got creative to ensure coverage and defense stayed sharp. It worked. By the end of the year, their ability to read, cover, and communicate was one of their greatest strengths.

A Team of Individuals Who Clicked

Every player brought a different vibe. Different strengths. Different styles. And somehow, it worked. It wasn’t about molding everyone into one identity—it was about allowing each player to own theirs.

Coach’s Message:
“You have the technique, the IQ, and the grit to play at an above-average level—so keep going. Keep growing. Keep playing.”


The Legacy of Our 18s

From Platinum’s polish, to Purple’s persistence, to Pink’s play-calling power, the 18s division represented everything Prevail stands for: growth, grit, and guts. They didn’t just show up to compete—they showed up to lead, to grow, and to leave a lasting mark.

This class didn’t just finish strong—they’re just getting started. We’re proud to celebrate the athletes who are taking their talents to the next level:

🏐 Matt Degan – Lancaster Bible College
🏐 Landon Mattice – Eastern University
🏐 Colin Holden – Stevens Institute of Technology
🏐 Johnny Moran – Roanoke College
🏐 Sam Kolacek – Elizabethtown College
🏐 Zach Sheaffer – Wilkes University
🏐 Indi Singh – Elizabethtown College
🏐 Nate McDonald – Long Island University

Each of these young men has proven what it means to Prevail—not just in volleyball, but in how they lead, support their teammates, and commit to excellence in all they do. As they head into college, they carry with them not just a skill set, but a standard.

To all our 18s:
Whether you're lacing up for your next match or stepping into a new arena, remember who you are and where you came from.

This season was one to remember.
Your legacy is one we’ll never forget.

Comments

Popular Posts