The Parkland High School boys volleyball team enters the 2023 season as defending Eastern Pennsylvania Conference champions and District 11 Class 4A runner-up, finishing with a 19-6 overall record, falling to eventual state champion Central Dauphin the PIAA state quarterfinal round.

Head coach Scott Trumbauer graduated three All-Conference players from that 2022 squad, including Matt Bauer, Lukas Dashukewich and Azhar Sumar, headlining a group of six that graduated from the varsity team.

The Trojans still return a good core from that team, led by All-EPC outside hitter Chase Robbins. Setter Issac Uthappan, middle hitter Brady Hayward, defensive specialists Ahmad Jaffer, Luke Smith, defensive specialist Kumayl Soonasra and setter William Stiles.

There are a few newcomers that Trumbauer will be counting on in the rotation, including setter/middle hitter Colby Brisendine, defensive specialist Rahul Jasapara, outside hitter Shlok Mehta, outside hitter Logan Nassry, outside hitter Frederic Patton, opposite hitter Alexander Wilby and outside hitter Joshua Nation.

“We return a large number of student-athletes who saw significant time on the varsity roster last year,” said Trumbauer. “Six of the returners were on the court during our state quarterfinal loss last season. Combine those guys with the others who were on varsity last year and the newcomers, we are really excited to see what this year’s team can achieve. Most of the roster played on club teams or basketball during the winter and came into the gym ready for the season to begin. Like every year, incorporating the newcomers into the lineup and figuring out how everyone can help us achieve our goals.”

Parkland begins its 2023 campaign with a road match at Liberty on Monday, March 20. The home opener for the Trojans is scheduled for that Friday against Pennridge. Trumbauer has set the same goals for his team and believes they are capable of achieving them once again this season.

“As always, the goals remain the same, play well in conference play, challenge ourselves with tough out-of-conference matches (Pennridge, Southern Lehigh, and Delaware Valley), and make another push for league, district and state titles,” Trumbauer said.