Loyola High's Volleyball Team Aims to Reclaim Championship Glory

After a challenging season last year, the Cubs are determined to return to their winning ways.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Loyola High School's volleyball team is gearing up for the upcoming season with renewed determination. The team, led by veteran coach Michael Boehle, is looking to bounce back from a tumultuous 2025 campaign that saw them lose their home in the Palisades fire, deal with Boehle's prostate cancer diagnosis, and cope with the tragic death of a classmate. Despite the obstacles, the Cubs are confident they can reclaim their championship form, thanks to the return of star player JP Wardy and the continued leadership of 6-foot-8 standout Blake Fahlbusch, a USC commit.

Why it matters

Loyola High has been a perennial powerhouse in boys' volleyball, winning seven Southern Section championships under Boehle's guidance. The team's ability to bounce back from last year's adversity and regain their championship form will be closely watched by the local volleyball community, as they are one of the top contenders in the highly competitive Southern California landscape.

The details

The Cubs will be led by a talented roster that includes Fahlbusch, Wardy (a Pepperdine commit), libero Matt Kelly (brother of UCLA standout Sean Kelly), and 6-foot-6 Princeton commit Lucas Posell. The team will face stiff competition from traditional rivals like Mira Costa, Redondo Union, Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar, and Newport Harbor, all of which boast impressive rosters of their own. Boehle, who is entering his 28th year as Loyola's head coach, is confident that the team's improved chemistry and renewed focus will help them overcome last year's challenges.

  • The Cubs open their season on February 24 at home against Newport Harbor.
  • The highly anticipated annual Loyola-Mira Costa nonleague match is set for March 20 at Mira Costa.

The players

Blake Fahlbusch

A 6-foot-8 volleyball standout and USC commit, he is a candidate for best player in the Southland due to his size and athleticism.

JP Wardy

A 6-foot-4 Pepperdine commit who is returning to Loyola High for his final year after spending time at Newport Harbor and San Diego.

Matt Kelly

The team's libero, he is the brother of UCLA standout Sean Kelly and is committed to Loyola Chicago.

Lucas Posell

A 6-foot-6 Princeton commit with a 4.7 GPA, he is another key player on the Loyola roster.

Michael Boehle

Loyola's veteran head coach, who is entering his 28th year and has won seven Southern Section championships with the program.

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What they’re saying

“It feels great to be back. I missed being at Loyola. I feel growing up, this was supposed to be the school I would go to.”

— JP Wardy (Los Angeles Times)

“We're good. I'm excited. Practices are competitive, which I really like because it helps us getting better.”

— JP Wardy (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.