Quakertown head boys volleyball coach Andy Snyder realized his team had a difficult task ahead at the start of this week – they had to win all five of their remaining games to qualify for the district playoffs.
The Panthers missed the mark by just one game last year.
Yet, whether or not they achieve their goal this year, Snyder anticipates the program is on the rise. He had his biggest turnout in his 18-year stint at the Bucks County school, and the future has begun to form a formidable forecast.
“In this aspect, you can see the rise in the program,” said Snyder. “We only have one player on our roster that just plays volleyball. The other guys are playing soccer, baseball or hockey.
“Some other teams have a handful or more players who just concentrate on volleyball. But you can see the interest to start and build with the program. It appears to be attracting more players.”
With his current squad, Snyder has nine seniors on the roster, and the Panthers have a 5-9 overall mark after a crucial road win over CB East Tuesday.
“We’ve been up and down,” he said. “We’re an old team. I don’t believe we have peaked yet. They seem to be on track, and we have improved our play from last year.”
“We battled back after the COVID year, and things were a little tough. We started playing better, but we have to cut down on our mistakes.”
Snyder has looked to senior outside hitter Micah Reinford, who leads the team with 125 kills. Fellow senior middle hitter Zander Marks also has been a consistent contributor with 131 kills.
Senior setter Cody Steiert has set the pace with 362 assists.
Snyder has appreciated the workings of his core players, but he is seeking a bigger overall picture.
“Our problem is that we have a drop off after those three guys,” he noted. “We’re constantly searching for guys to fill the other spots to make it a complete six.”
Junior Anthony Clark recently has gained some significant playing time.
“He is seen as one of our defensive specialists,” said Snyder about Clark. “He is one of our top servers.”
Snyder knows his cupboard will need some replacements next season, but he also understands that it is part of the system.
“You go through cycles,” he said. “A few years ago, we were down and had to start a bunch of sophomores, and we had one of our better seasons.
“We don’t have the guys who are playing club volleyball like other teams. When you have guys who do, you can really reach your highest level of play.”
Next season, Snyder will become head coach of the girls team and serve as a dual coach. His wife, Wendy, is the current coach. The couple has served as assistant coaches for each other, and they will continue to follow the roles.
Snyder is confident both programs can continue to build.
“We like what we see,” he said. “We will lose a good number of seniors, but we can build for the future.”
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