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Making History: Westfield Boys Volleyball Joins the IHSAA

Westfield High School is making history this season as its boys’ volleyball program officially joins the ranks of Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) sanctioned sports. With an electric buzz surrounding the team and the sport growing rapidly, Head Coach Pat McAndrews and his squad are eager to hit the court and showcase their talents.
Boys’ volleyball has been a club sport in Indiana high schools since the 1990s but only recently gained official recognition. For Westfield, this marks its fifth season as a program and Coach McAndrews’ second year leading the charge. “The last two seasons, boys’ volleyball was considered an emerging IHSAA sport,” he explains.“The key factor was having enough schools participate. This year, we’ve surpassed 150 schools fielding varsity teams, double from just a couple of years ago. It’s the fastest-growing boys’ sport in America right now!”
As Westfield prepares for its inaugural season under IHSAA, the biggest challenge has been spreading the word and drawing more student and community attention. “We’re working hard to build awareness, get people in the stands, and continue to grow the sport,” says McAndrews.
Fortunately, the team is returning a powerhouse roster from last year’s impressive 25-5 campaign. “We only graduated one senior and are bringing back a core group of 11 experienced seniors. We have the talent and drive to be one of the top teams in the state.”
McAndrews, a seasoned coach with nearly three decades of experience, initially started on the basketball sidelines before transitioning to girls’ volleyball at both high and middle school levels. His experience coaching boys’ basketball made for a smooth shift to leading the boys’ volleyball program. “It was an adjustment, but coaching boys again felt familiar. We play fast, jump high, and bring an explosive style of play that makes us a lot of fun to watch!”
Westfield’s team is stacked with talent, led by standout senior outside hitter Carlo Huisden, who ranked 5th in the state last season with 364 kills. Huisden, an All-State honoree, has committed to playing at Purdue Fort Wayne next year. Senior setter Graham Weddige also earned All-State recognition, finishing 6th in the state with 877 assists. Key returners include CJ Fox, Kyle Kujawa, Fletcher Farrar, Max Hammond, and Nick Gerow, who played crucial roles in last year’s sectional championship run and No. 5 state ranking.
With the program’s official IHSAA status, the team has ramped up its preparation. Off-season conditioning has been a priority, with players participating in speed, agility, and jump training since September. Many team members also compete in Indianapolis-based club volleyball, gaining valuable experience year-round.
The best way for the Westfield community to rally behind this historic season is by attending the games. “If you’ve never seen boys’ high school volleyball,
you’re missing out,” McAndrews says. “The athleticism and explosiveness are second to none!”
Westfield Middle School has started a club team for younger athletes interested in joining the program, hoping to evolve into a sanctioned middle school sport soon. Additionally, the program offers a youth camp from June 2-5 for students in grades 4-8, providing an excellent opportunity to train with the high school coaches and players.
Westfield’s first home match is set for March 27 against Lawrence North. Other can’t-miss conference matchups include:
March 31 vs. Hamilton Southeastern
April 15 vs. Carmel
April 24 vs. Fishers
May 6 – Senior Night vs. North Central
Junior Varsity games start at 5:30 or 6:00 PM, with Varsity action beginning at 7:00 PM.
Be a part of history and support the Westfield Boys Volleyball team as they take on their first official IHSAA season! Go Rocks!

Opening Day Legacy

Opening Day for Indiana high school baseball is upon us, and with the season comes the IHSAA’s new initiative, The Legacy Project. The Legacy Project stands as a shining example of how baseball can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds. The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), RoundTripper Sports Academy, Indianapolis RBI, and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). With the goal of enhancing baseball participation in inner-city schools, The Legacy Project is creating unique, lasting experiences for young athletes while fostering relationships that transcend socioeconomic and demographic boundaries.
IHSAA Assistant Commissioner, Robert Faulkens, helped spearhead this new initiative. “Baseball remains America’s pastime, but access to the game has become limited to so many young students. Many high schools are trying to field teams with players playing for the first time. This factor presents an imbalance as well as endangering the existence of high school teams. The Legacy Project seeks to help programs with low numbers and new players find success in the scholastic setting,” said Faulkens.
At its heart, The Legacy Project focuses on pairing schools that represent different demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, creating teams that learn and grow together both on and off the field. For the 2024-2025 school year, the pilot program will pair University High School of Carmel, IN, and Arsenal Technical High School of Indianapolis, IN. These schools, though different in their student populations, will share in the camaraderie of teamwork, the discipline of training, and the excitement of traveling and competing together.
The project goes beyond just a partnership between schools—it emphasizes the power of collaboration. During the offseason, players will train together, ensuring that each athlete benefits from the skills and knowledge of their peers, regardless of where they come from. A Spring Break trip to Panama City Beach offered opportunities for practice, competition, and bonding, while further immersing the students in the experience of traveling and competing as a cohesive unit. “This project has given our team the tools and facilities to prepare for the season that we don’t normally have,” said Arsenal Tech Head Coach Bob Haney. “Watching our two teams blend together during training has truly been something special to see. It has been an impactful experience for everyone involved.”
One of the most powerful aspects of The Legacy Project is its focus on providing resources to schools and programs that may not have the financial means to create similar opportunities. Many schools, especially those in underserved areas, face barriers in terms of facilities, equipment, and access to specialized coaching. The Legacy Project works to close that gap, ensuring
that no athlete is held back from pursuing their dreams due to a lack of resources.
“Having grown up going to an IPS school, and then later going to Carmel High School, I had a personal connection to the importance of this program. Watching the players bond and create friendships has been exactly what I expected,” said RoundTripper Owner and University High School Head Coach, Chris Estep. “As coaches, we have found ourselves stepping back in our roles since the kids have interacted so well and taken to coaching each other. They are not afraid to point out mistakes they each may see how they can get better.”
The project is also designed to help foster inclusivity and diversity within the sport of baseball. By engaging a variety of schools with differing social and economic realities, The Legacy Project provides a platform for
underserved communities to gain access to the game. It provides these students with more than just the chance to play—it gives them the chance to envision and build a future in the sport.
Be sure to follow each of these teams this Spring as they start their seasons. Arsenal Tech High School opened its in-state season on April 1st at Tindley High School. University High School plays its first in-state game on April 9th at Cascade High School.

From The Huddle Archive: Get caught up with Westfield athletics and community highlights year round

Dive into the Huddle, where engagement in and discussions about our sports community unfold. Find enriching insights and explore a wide range of inspiring content in this dynamic community space.

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Westfield set to unveil renovated CSI Signs Gymnasium

At the start of each school year, every team and every athlete approaches their season with a renewed sense of confidence, hope and excitement. But, this school year, it’s not just the athletes who are looking forward to a fresh start. Westfield High School Athletic Director Andy Tebbe and Assistant Athletic Director Ginny Smith are full of excitement and pride for the unveiling of some new facilities upgrades that they are sure our community will enjoy.

Inside the Game

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Beyond the Field: From the Huddle Specials

We explore the human side of sports – the stories of resilience, Westfield youth sports, teamwork, and triumph that inspire us all. From exclusive interviews with local athletes to behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives, we shine a spotlight on the individuals who make our sports community truly exceptional. Join us as we go beyond the field, uncovering the personal narratives and extraordinary moments that define Westfield’s sports scene.