Eden Prairie boys volleyball finds early success in varsity debut

The Eden Prairie High School boys volleyball team swept Minnetonka 3-0 on Thursday evening, April 9, improving to 3-0 in its historic first season as a Minnesota State High School League-sanctioned sport.

The Eagles, who maintain their No. 1 ranking in the latest state polls, have been dominant this season with the Minnetonka victory, a 3-0 win over Bloomington Jefferson in their opener, and a 3-1 victory against defending state champion Shakopee.

“We were excited and honored to be ranked No. 1 (in preseason polls),” said head coach Steph Chapek. “Our players worked hard in the offseason playing club volleyball. It’s been fun to have the recognition, but we focus on just getting a little better each day and not think about what’s in front of us or where we are ranked.”

Chapek, a former All-American middle blocker at the University of Minnesota who competed professionally in Europe and on the AVP beach tour, has led the program since its club beginnings in 2019. This spring marks boys volleyball’s first season as a sanctioned sport, following a May 2023 vote by the Minnesota State High School League approving the addition for 2024-25.

The transition from club to sanctioned sport status has brought significant changes to the program.

“Having the support of EPHS as a sanctioned sport has been the biggest difference,” Chapek said. “We can practice after school, ride buses to and from matches, we have new jerseys, and the overall administrative and financial support has been huge for our program.”

The Eagles’ success stems from both exceptional talent and team chemistry. With 16 varsity players – including 10 seniors who have developed together for years – the team has the versatility to adapt to different challenges.

“We have depth at each position, and we talk a lot about our options,” Chapek said. “We can move players around and set up offense and defense based on our opponent.”

This adaptability is evident in the team’s balanced performance statistics. After three matches, several players have emerged as key contributors: senior right-side hitter Avi Kommalapati leads in kills, sophomore striker Khatvik Kommalapati in service aces, junior libero Ghauthamasanker Padmanaban in perfect passes and digs, and senior captain and setter Deion Lange in assists.

The strong performances reflect years of teamwork and camaraderie among the players.

“Our players know each other well and have a strong bond on and off the court,” Chapek explained. “They have created a team culture that keeps each other accountable while celebrating everyone. We have been able to start at a high level because the players already know what to expect and are ready to compete.”

The Eagles will face Edina at home on Wednesday.