Allen Park and Anderson debut new boys volleyball programs in Downriver League season opener

Both the Jags and Titans are two of several first-year programs for what is a new MHSAA-sponsored sport this spring.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration depicting a boys volleyball match, with the players and court fragmented into sharp, geometric shapes in a bold color scheme, conveying the energy and excitement of this new high school sport.The debut of boys volleyball at the high school level in Michigan showcases the sport's growing popularity and potential for further expansion across the state.Southgate Today

The Allen Park High School and Southgate Anderson High School boys volleyball teams faced off in the first-ever match for both programs as part of a tri-meet on April 7, 2026. Allen Park defeated Anderson in four sets, with both coaches impressed by the athleticism and coachability of the players despite the newness of the sport at the high school level in Michigan. The Downriver League is one of several leagues across the state that has added boys volleyball this spring, the first year the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is sponsoring a postseason tournament for the sport.

Why it matters

The addition of boys volleyball at the high school level in Michigan represents a significant expansion of athletic opportunities for male students, who previously had limited options compared to female students. The growth of the sport also reflects increasing interest and participation in volleyball overall in the state, which could lead to more resources and support for the sport at the youth and club levels to help develop talent earlier.

The details

Allen Park and Southgate Anderson were two of nearly two dozen first-year boys volleyball programs competing this spring as part of the MHSAA's inaugural sponsorship of the sport. Allen Park coach Harriet Theise and Anderson coach Paul Piesz were both impressed by the athleticism and coachability of their players, many of whom were new to the sport but came in with experience in other sports. Both coaches emphasized the importance of getting boys involved in volleyball at a younger age to help grow the sport and develop talent.

  • The Allen Park vs. Southgate Anderson match took place on April 7, 2026.
  • The MHSAA formally agreed to add boys volleyball as a sponsored sport in 2024, with this spring being the first year for the postseason tournament.

The players

Harriet Theise

The head coach of the Allen Park High School boys volleyball team, Theise played volleyball at the high school, club, and international levels before graduating in 2020 and later coaching the men's club team at Eastern Michigan University.

Paul Piesz

The head coach of the Southgate Anderson High School boys volleyball team, Piesz is a longtime educator and coach in the district who was initially reluctant but eventually 'warmed up to the idea' of leading the new boys program.

Dylan Ambruster

One of 10 players on the first-year Allen Park boys volleyball team, Ambruster helped spark interest in the program at the school.

Alexis Calhoun

The girls varsity volleyball coach at Southgate Anderson, Calhoun is assisting Piesz on the boys team and will provide her expertise as a former setter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was surprised with how well both teams understood rotations and their ability to keep the ball going. Usually for beginners in volleyball, you don't really get to see that. They're all very athletic and very coachable and were able to just go with the flow.”

— Harriet Theise, Allen Park High School boys volleyball coach

“There's a lot to learn, definitely. It is one of those things where the first few sets tell you the most on where you need to go. We've spent a lot of time working on rotations, working on where to stand, and just gaining the terminology.”

— Paul Piesz, Southgate Anderson High School boys volleyball coach

What’s next

Allen Park will be back in action on Thursday, April 9 when they host both Lincoln Park and Carlson back-to-back. Anderson meanwhile will return to the floor on April 14 when they travel to take on Edsel Ford.

The takeaway

The debut of boys volleyball programs at Allen Park and Southgate Anderson, as well as several other Downriver League schools, represents an exciting new chapter for high school sports in Michigan. While the players and coaches have a lot to learn, the enthusiasm and athleticism on display suggest the sport has significant potential for growth in the state.