From Grade School Courts to State Championship Glory: Cincinnati‘s Volleyball Dynasty Forged in Friendship
Table of Contents
- 1. From Grade School Courts to State Championship Glory: Cincinnati’s Volleyball Dynasty Forged in Friendship
- 2. A Legacy of Wins: how it Started
- 3. The Rockets’ Rise: McNicholas Seals the Deal
- 4. Coaching Roots and Community Growth
- 5. Friendship Beyond the Court: A Lasting bond
- 6. Individual growth and Future Aspirations
- 7. More Than Just Rings: The Real Trophy
- 8. How do early youth sports experiences shape the future success and future athletes?
- 9. Cincinnati Volleyball Star, ethan gundrum, Reflects on Championship Journey
- 10. An Interview with Ethan Gundrum
- 11. The Foundation: Early Days at Guardian Angels
- 12. McNicholas Rockets: Championship Run
- 13. Beyond the Court: Lasting Bonds
- 14. Reflections and Aspirations
April 4, 2025
A group of Cincinnati-area athletes who began playing volleyball together in grade school at Guardian Angels School have achieved remarkable success, capturing multiple Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state championships. Their story highlights the power of teamwork, friendship, and consistent dedication to the sport.
A Legacy of Wins: how it Started
In 2023, Daniel Mack, than a sophomore at Moeller High School, experienced the thrill of victory as a member of the school’s state championship volleyball team.This marked the beginning of a wave of success for a close-knit group of friends who had honed their skills together as the fourth grade at Guardian Angels School.
Fast forward to 2024, and Mack’s former teammates from Guardian Angels cemented their own place in Ohio high school volleyball history. St. xavier High School and McNicholas High School both clinched OHSAA titles, joining Mack in the state championship circle.
| School | OHSAA Title | Key Players (from Guardian Angels) |
|---|---|---|
| Moeller | 2023 | Daniel Mack |
| St. Xavier | 2024 | Max Romeo, Matteo Romeo |
| McNicholas | 2024 (Division II) | Gavin Gerhard, Ethan Gundrum, Ben Jones, Kevin Kaser, Michael Mindrum, Jack Sampson, Carson Tierney |
This unprecedented achievement underscores the strength of the volleyball foundation built at Guardian Angels and the enduring bonds between these athletes. The story resonates with the broader American emphasis on youth sports as a breeding ground for both athletic excellence and character advancement.
The Rockets’ Rise: McNicholas Seals the Deal
While Max and Matteo Romeo secured titles with St. Xavier, the victory of mcnicholas High School in the Division II championship amplified the group’s collective accomplishment. Gavin Gerhard, Ethan Gundrum, Ben Jones, Kevin Kaser, Michael Mindrum, Jack Sampson, and Carson Tierney, all representing McNicholas, completed the circle of titleholders.
This victory carries particular meaning, exemplifying the impact of community-based sports programs in fostering talent and camaraderie. The parallel can be drawn to the success stories often seen in Little League Baseball or Pop Warner Football, where early experiences shape future athletic careers.
Coaching Roots and Community Growth
The success of these athletes can be attributed,in part,to the dedication of coaches like Darlene Tierney and Jason Gundrum. Tierney, head coach of the McNicholas girls’ volleyball team as 2022, and Gundrum, both parents of players from Guardian Angels, were instrumental in establishing and nurturing the boys’ volleyball program.
According to Tierney, the volleyball program at Guardian Angels started as early as kindergarten for some, with organized teams forming in third, fourth, and fifth grades. By sixth grade, the program had grown so much that multiple teams were necessary to accommodate the players.
“I was one of the coaches,”
Jason Gundrum said.
“Darlene Tierney and I each took a team because there were so many kids we needed two kids for that grade level. She would take a team and I would take a team every year. We’d practice together and they got better over the years.”
Jason Gundrum
Their consistent coaching and the program’s emphasis on skill development created a strong foundation for these athletes to excel at the high school level. This mirrors the approach of many triumphant youth sports organizations across the U.S., where qualified coaching and structured training are prioritized.
Friendship Beyond the Court: A Lasting bond
Beyond the championships and accolades,the enduring friendships among these athletes are a testament to the positive impact of sports. the players themselves emphasize the importance of their shared experiences and the support they provide for one another.
“The program got started around third or fourth grade and we had fantastic coaches,”
Ethan Gundrum said.
“My dad and Carson Tierney’s mom coached us all the way through and so that realy helped with development.That along with us just playing constantly. We always go and play sand volleyball together. We’ve been great friends, developing each other all the way through high school. It’s not like we broke off apart from each other and stopped playing. We still kept playing together all four years.”
Ethan Gundrum
this camaraderie extends beyond the volleyball court, with the players regularly attending each other’s games and celebrating each other’s successes. This level of support is often cited as a key factor in the success of athletic teams,fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Individual growth and Future Aspirations
For Gavin Gerhard, volleyball started as a way to spend time with friends, but it has evolved into a potential pathway to collegiate athletics.
“I was not really good at all in grade school,”
Gerhard said.
“I was pretty bad. The only reason I really stuck with it was my guys, my friends. They’re still a lot of my best friends. It’s cool to see how that developed. Now I might be playing Division I in college, possibly. I never would have thought that.”
Gavin Gerhard
His conversion exemplifies the potential for growth and development through sports, even for those who may not initially possess exceptional talent. This narrative aligns with the American ideal of perseverance and the belief that hard work and dedication can lead to success, regardless of one’s starting point.
More Than Just Rings: The Real Trophy
While state championship rings are undoubtedly cherished mementos, the true value of this experience lies in the lasting friendships, personal growth, and life lessons learned through sports.
“Last year, I was watching (McNicholas’) state game and I was watching the fifth set and I was really into it,”
Mack said.
“It was really fun. Even tho St. X beat us (in the regional finals), still watching those guys get rings made me happy too.”
Mack
“Yes they won state titles, but the sport has really done great things for them,”
Tierney said.
“The love of the sport and the friendships that they’ve gained and all the things that you learn in a higher level sport. How much they’ve excelled and how good they are is just amazing to see that develop over the years.”
Tierney
The relationships developed on the court are likely to extend far beyond high school, providing a network of support and camaraderie that will benefit these young men throughout their lives. This is a sentiment echoed by coaches and parents involved in youth sports across the nation.
How do early youth sports experiences shape the future success and future athletes?
Cincinnati Volleyball Star, ethan gundrum, Reflects on Championship Journey
April 4, 2025
An Interview with Ethan Gundrum
Archyde News had the pleasure of sitting down with Ethan Gundrum, a key member of McNicholas High School’s 2024 OHSAA Division II championship volleyball team. From the grade school courts of Guardian Angels to the state championship stage, Ethan’s journey exemplifies the power of teamwork and friendship. Let’s dive in!
The Foundation: Early Days at Guardian Angels
Archyde News: Ethan, your volleyball journey began in grade school at Guardian Angels. How did playing together from such a young age shape your later success?
Ethan Gundrum: Well, it all started around third or fourth grade.We had fantastic coaches, including my dad and Carson Tierney’s mom. They realy helped with our advancement.
Archyde News: Organized training from a young age seems beneficial, Did that early focus on development contribute to building a strong program?
Ethan Gundrum: Definitely. We where constantly playing, which really helped. we were consistently improving, spending so much time together. That really accelerated our volleyball skills.
McNicholas Rockets: Championship Run
Archyde News: McNicholas Highschool had an amazing run in the 2024 season. What was the team dynamic like during the championship season?
Ethan Gundrum: We were really a family. My teammates are still some of my best friends. The friendship aspect was huge for us throughout those seasons. We always go and play sand volleyball together. We’ve been great friends, developing each other all the way through high school .
Archyde News: That level of camaraderie must have been a notable factor on the court.Would you say the team’s chemistry led to their success?
Ethan Gundrum: No doubt, absolutely. Knowing we could trust each other fully made a huge difference. We knew we would always be there to pick each other up, on and off the court.
Beyond the Court: Lasting Bonds
Archyde News: You’ve mentioned the friendships that you built with your teammates. How do you think those relationships will impact your life outside of volleyball?
Ethan Gundrum: The relationships developed on the court are likely to extend far beyond high school. It’s great to have such a great network of support!
Archyde News: That’s a lovely thing to hear. Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to young athletes hoping to capture their own volleyball state championship?
Ethan Gundrum: Stick with it, be consistent, and above all, enjoy the process. And cherish the friendships; that’s what you’ll remember most.
Reflections and Aspirations
Archyde News: Ethan, your journey from youth volleyball to a state title is inspiring.What are your future aspirations?
Ethan gundrum: The love of the sport and the friendships that they’ve gained and all the things that you learn in a higher level sport. Volleyball has been a great experience for me. I’m definitely considering college and some sports management.
Archyde News: That sounds like a fun time ahead! Ethan Gundrum, thank you for sharing your story with us.
How do you think early youth sports experiences shape the future success and future athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
