Bethlehem Catholic’s volleyball program is looking forward to getting back on track this spring after a year off due to COVID. Now, it’s about putting the pieces together for Tim Sledz’s quad.

With four players returning this spring, Sledz is looking to build the program back up after losing 12 seniors over the past two seasons.

“We have four players returning from two years ago and six new players in the last two years,” said Sledz. “Jacob Sledz is a four-year starter on varsity and brings the leadership that a young team like this needs. He has moved from Libero the last three years to being an outside / middle hitter with a whip of an arm. Ryan and Danny Fonte (seniors) look to add to that experience as well and are moving to positions they haven’t traditionally played in the past. Jordon Troxel is a first-year senior who has picked up the game rather quickly and we look for good things from him. Aziz Salloum (junior) has played libero for us in the past and brings an aggressive mindset to defense that will be needed. Sophomore Haize Camacho joined the team last year and saw some playing time before the season got shutdown.”

Getting the Hawks up to speed after a year off from the varsity court will be a challenge, but a situation that most teams will be facing throughout the conference.

That’s why every bit of help will be needed this season, including the likes of first-year players Josh Doane (sophomore), who adds a solid block to the right side, as well as freshmen Robbie Welsch and Jack Preiss, who are looking to add some fire power outside and defense in the back row.

“We are looking to be playing solid winning volleyball midway through the season and carrying that forward,” said Sledz. “The players just need to get time in the gym and during games to continue their very fast learning curve. They have picked things up quickly and we look forward to them continuing that learning curve throughout the season. The coaches want to instill in the players a love of the game that they can carry forward in high school and beyond.”