SPA Hosts First MSHSL Boys Volleyball Game in School History
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St. Paul Academy and Summit School reached a historic milestone on Tuesday, April 14, hosting its first-ever MSHSL boys’ volleyball match, an exciting moment more than 100 years in the making.
The event represents not only a first for SPA, but also a significant step forward for boys’ volleyball in Minnesota. The sport, officially sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League in May 2023, with the inaugural season being 2024-25, is continuing to grow across the state.
This year, SPA joined forces with Cretin-Derham Hall’s boys volleyball program, creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and help build the sport.
Head Coach Daniel Willaert emphasized the importance of the moment, not just for the program, but for the broader community.
“It was a very special opportunity to be able to play this match at SPA,” Willaert said. “We have really enjoyed this cooperatively sponsored program so far. The SPA student-athletes have been a welcome addition, and it has been wonderful to meet new families and grow the game of volleyball.”
The historic match also included a pair of memorable firsts. Ian Hang ‘30 recorded the first match-winning moment in SPA history with an ace on match point in the junior varsity contest, while Sam Galarneault ’27 delivered the first varsity kill in the SPA gym.
Beyond the milestone moments, the match highlighted the energy and potential surrounding the sport’s rapid growth in Minnesota. Willaert noted that as more programs are added, the state is nearing the threshold for a two-class section and state tournament format (an indicator of increasing participation and competition).
“I hope this is just one of many signs that boys’ volleyball is becoming more popular and mainstream in Minnesota,” Willaert said.
For the players, the experience was just as meaningful. Galarneault described the atmosphere as unforgettable and a reflection of what the future could hold.
“The game at SPA was such a fun experience for the whole team,” Galarneault said. “The gym felt energized, and it really brought both schools in the co-op community together.”
He also expressed pride in SPA’s role in launching the program.
“I’m super proud and thankful for SPA putting in the work to get a boys volleyball team,” he said. “Each game we have together, we are able to continue putting our name on the map of boys volleyball in Minnesota, which is very rewarding.”
Looking ahead, the goal is continued growth, both within the co-op and beyond. Willaert hopes the partnership will provide valuable experience and, eventually, lead to two independent programs and a future rivalry between SPA and Cretin-Derham Hall.
For now, though, the focus remains on building something new and meaningful.
“This is an opportunity to create a positive environment for student-athletes to compete and grow,” Willaert said. “And we’re just getting started.”
Their next match is set for Tuesday, April 21, vs. Woodbury, hosted at Cretin-Derham Hall at 7 P.M.
