Bloomfield High Girls' Volleyball Program Preparing for a New Season

BLOOMFIELD, NJ-- While the season doesn't officially begin for another six weeks, the Bloomfield High girls' volleyball team is putting in quality work this summer.

Head coach Louis Stevens took over as the girls and boys volleyball coach in 2005. Stevens took a one-year leave of absence last fall, with the girls program, but is back at the helm in 2024 for his 19th season with the Bengals.

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While Stevens coaches both programs, the summer is more dedicated to the upcoming girls season. The boys' campaign just concluded about a month ago.

"During the summer, I let the boys do what they want," said Stevens. "I mean they're nine months away from their season. They still get their work in, but over the summer, it's a much needed break."

Girls volleyball, of course, is a fall sport, so the 2024 season isn't far away. Bloomfield had a good season last fall, finishing 12-12. The Bengals played its best volleyball of the season down the stretch, winning six of its last seven matches.

"The girls are doing open gyms and myself, (along with assistant coaches) Dan Barry and Ron Gasparri alternate the days where we watch them." said Stevens "We usually do a little instructional work during each session, and then incorporate that into game play."

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Stevens has the summer schedule set up well.

"I have the schedule split up, where the incoming freshmen are coming in on Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m.," the coach said. "The returning players, and any student that is grade 10-12, come in from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday."

While it's still early July, the time does go by quickly.

Stevens noted that official tryouts for the 2024 teams begin on August 19. Scrimmages and matches can officially begin on August 26. In just about two months from now, the regular season starts.

"My Varsity Invitational, which has 24 teams, the largest in the state, I believe, will be run on September 7," said Stevens. "The JV Invitational will be run on September 14, and the frosh will be run on September 28.

"The varsity invitational has 22 teams entered, so far, and the JV and freshmen have 23 teams. I'm looking forward to being back with the girls program this year, after taking a season off to watch my daughter play her senior year."

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