The sound of volleyballs echoed through the gym late Monday night with sharp pops against hardwood, quick calls of “mine” and “up,” and sneakers squeaking as players dove for loose balls. For the men’s club volleyball team, winter break was officially over. While most students were sleeping in, clicking through syllabus quizzes and shaking off any lingering feelings of winter break, the team had only one week to prepare for its first competition of the spring semester. The players competed in Milwaukee Jan. 31, with only a handful of practices and a lot of trust in each other.

Winter break, by design, was quiet. The team chose rest over routine, allowing players time to reset before the semester began.

“We didn’t practice over break,” men’s club volleyball president Sebastian Simkowski said. “We wanted everyone to get the break they needed and come back refreshed, not burned out.”

Some players stayed active on their own, but volleyball-specific training was minimal.

“I practiced a little over break, nothing too heavy,” club member Tristan Simkowski said. “It was mostly just shaking off some rust.”

And some got the rest they needed.

“I personally need a lot of time to get back into volleyball coming off of a break because I unfortunately do not have access to gym time over break,” club member Hunter Blaim said.

Five days before competition, the team reunited for its first official practice. Instead of running plays, the two-hour session focused on evaluating new players. The roster typically includes about 22 competitive players, with another 10 to 15 practice members. With limited time before game day, those early decisions carried weight.

“We always want new people to join,” Sebastian Simkowski said. “Even with the time crunch, it’s important to see what everyone can bring.”

By midweek, the mood shifted. Wednesday’s practice marked the team’s first true session. The team moved into its first true preparation phase, focusing on both game situations and team coordination.

“Going into the first tournament, I feel really excited,” Tristan Simkowski said. “It feels like it’s been a long time since our last game and you can tell everyone’s ready.”

Blaim echoed that sentiment, but noted that while “my feelings toward this first tournament is excitement, there is also some stress. I am always looking forward to competing with my teammates. However, we didn’t have much time to prepare.”

With only two practices remaining, efficiency became the focus.

“Once we finalized teams, we wanted practices to feel as game-like as possible,” Sebastian Simkowski said.

By the day before competition, the team had found its rhythm. As a club sport without an intercollegiate program above it, the team represents the highest level of men’s volleyball on campus; bringing both pressure and pride.

“That adds pressure,” Sebastian Simkowski said. “But it also gives us the drive to be the best we can be.”

Players entered the weekend with their own personal goals. Tristan Simkowski’s was to improve in his new position.

“I switched from setter to right-side hitter, so I’m still adjusting and learning,” he said

Goals for some bled into the team as a whole.

“My goals for this semester of volleyball are always the same, try to improve myself physically, mentally, have fun, and win games,” Blaim said. “I want to improve my leadership skills on the team. We have some young guys on our team and I would love to be able to support them as a leader and as a friend. Also, I would love to win a WVC championship. We have been close in the past but it always seems to get away from us.”

The Milwaukee Competition:

The Warhawks crushed their first competition. Their A-team beat UW-Milwaukee’s A-team for the gold bracket championship, and their B-team beat UW-Milwaukee’s B-team for the silver bracket championship.

Regardless of the outcome though, players say club sports offer something beyond wins and losses.

“This is where I’ve met some of my closest friends,” Sebastian Simkowski said. “There’s a real sense of community and the support from the school is great. I’d recommend joining a club to anyone.”

For many on the team, the season is about more than just competition. It’s about showing up late at night, trusting teammates, and finding balance during a long semester.

“My biggest takeaway from being part of this team is how much it helps you stay active and connected,” Tristan Simkowski said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in men’s club volleyball.”

For all players connections prove to be everything.

“My biggest takeaway from being part of a club here is friendship,” Blaim said. “I don’t know where I’d be without club volleyball bringing me together with some of my closest friends. I am not exaggerating when I say I have met lifelong friends because of participating in a club here.”