The St. Michael-Albertville School Board approved adding boys’ volleyball as a school-supported activity at the April 15 Board meeting. As a result of the Minnesota State High School League approving boys’ volleyball as a fully sanctioned activity for the 2024-25 school year, many school districts across the state have approved adding boys’ volleyball to its list of school sports.
Boys’ volleyball has been a club sport for the past five years at STMA. The School Board discussed adding the club sport as a high school activity in March and expressed concerns about the district’s budget limitations and ensuring the longevity of the program.
At the April 15 meeting, STMA Activities Director Keith Cornell discussed the challenges of adding the activity as a high school sport with the board and stated that the benefits outweigh the challenges.
During the open forum, community members spoke including two STMA students in boy’s volleyball Alexander Voellm and Alexander Hye Her. Voellm, who recently moved to St. Michael from Colorado, spoke about how volleyball has impacted him.
“Upon getting here and realizing that I had this community waiting for me here and meeting these kids. Realizing that even though it’s just a club, these kids have the same exact fiery passion that I have for this sport, made me feel more comfortable in this new community that I moved into,” Voellm said.
Boys’ Volleyball Coach Brent Cornillez also spoke during the open forum. Cornillez said he moved from Hawaii to STMA 14 years ago and that he coached volleyball for several years in Hawaii.
The boys’ volleyball team was part of a cooperative with Elk River Area School District until the spring 2023 season. Cornillez said that in 2022, the team took a state title.
He advocated for the team’s dedication and passion.
One problem that STMA faces with adding another school-supported activity is limitations of space, which depends on weather conditions as well. Cornell also mentioned that many districts across the state are facing problems with transporting students.
“Finances, no one loves our high activity fees, but in this case, it’s a benefit because our fees are so high for participation, the cost of the district really gets pretty small. So, yes there is a financial component to it, but because our fees are pretty high, for the most part, the kids and families almost fund it. Not totally, but pretty close,” Cornell said.
Cornell recommended that the School District should add boys’ volleyball as an activity, and reevaluate how the program is going in about a year.
Superintendent Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault stated that she supports approving boys volleyball as a school-supported activity even with challenges, because it’s the right thing to do for kids.
School Board Member Hollee Saville said she encourages boosters and other creative ways to raise money for the program expenses.
“Even though it doesn’t go into a physical classroom, there’s just as much to be learned outside the classroom as there is in the classroom. So in my mind, looking at the $9,000 approximate investment into sports that brings a lot of students together, brings together family, it’s a well worthwhile investment,” School Board Member Tim Lewis said.
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