Boys Volleyball Co-Captain Ray Williams ’26 started his volleyball career through casual exploration, joining instructional volleyball in the fall of his Junior year with a close friend. He quickly found himself drawn to the sport and the community surrounding it. What began as an alternative to baseball developed into a lasting passion and seasoned leadership.
Williams said that despite coming into Junior year focused on baseball, he shifted toward volleyball, in part because of a friendship from shared beginnings.
“I was looking for something else to do in the spring besides baseball. My friend Malcolm [Tolbert ’26], who’s also now on the team, got me into it because we both started by playing instructional in the fall. I fell in love with it from there. The people made it easy too,” said Williams.
Teammate Justin Puno ’26 described how Williams has developed into his leadership role, noting his presence both on and off the court and support for younger teammates.
“One of the primary things that makes Ray a good captain for our team is his energy. He shows up to practice every day with a smile on his face and motivates the team. He’s a very loud, energetic guy, and that breaks up the mood regardless of how the previous game or practice went. On the court, he’s very vocal, and that comes through with things like passing. He takes charge, and as a leader, especially in the back row where he primarily plays, he guides younger or more inexperienced players, giving them tips and helping them know what to do or where to stand,” said Puno.
Williams explained his positive energy as coming from both the nature of the sport and the team’s sense of community.
“From the sport itself, it’s the team camaraderie, the excitement, and the thrill when you’re on a really good run. Volleyball is a momentum sport, and it feels like a dopamine rush when you’re playing well. From a personal side, I really like everyone on the team. From people who just made the team this year to those who started with me and kept playing, everyone has an important role in keeping team chemistry and morale up. They make it easy to come to the gym every day with a positive attitude,” said Williams.
A younger member of the team, Sebastian Serizawa ’28, described Williams’s approach to teammates.
“I’ve never had a teammate like Ray before. I’ve been playing volleyball for 2 years, and most of my teammates were focused on winning and improving individually. Ray is concerned about how each player is doing. He can be both a friend and a teammate on the court, which most captains can’t do,” said Serizawa.
Williams said he plans to continue playing volleyball after Andover, regardless of level.
“I was considering playing for a while. I love the sport and will keep playing, even if it’s not at the NCAA level. I’ll probably play in adult leagues,” said Williams.
