Sartell Students Construct Outdoor Volleyball Court for Match

Sartell High School students and community members built an outdoor volleyball court, culminating in what school officials believe is central Minnesota's first outdoor high school volleyball match. The project, initially a construction class assignment, grew into a community-wide effort to realize a unique event.

Students Build Unique Outdoor Venue

Construction students, guided by teacher Joe Schulte, spent weeks transforming an ambitious concept into a tangible outdoor volleyball court. This initiative moved beyond a typical classroom project, demanding extensive labor and precise assembly to create a full-size playing surface on the school's football field.

Coach's Vision Drives Court Project

Sartell head volleyball coach Riley Marod conceived the outdoor match idea months prior. School officials connected with Mayville High School in Wisconsin, which had previously hosted a similar event, to acquire court materials. This required a round trip exceeding 12 hours to transport the components back to Minnesota.

Community Collaboration Builds Court

Upon the court materials' arrival, students began the intricate assembly process, involving thousands of screws and numerous hours. The effort expanded beyond the school, drawing volunteers from parents and even assistance from rival Sauk Rapids-Rice. This broad community engagement proved critical to the project's success, according to Activities Director Bruce Thompson.

Athletes Anticipate Historic Match

Sartell's senior volleyball captains expressed surprise and excitement upon learning of the plan. Captains Taylor Draxler-Gainsforth and Kaiya Schumann credited Coach Marod for his persistence in bringing the idea to fruition. The athletes anticipate a memorable experience, playing on a court they helped build.

Broader Lessons Beyond the Court

Coach Marod hopes the project instills a lasting lesson in students and athletes: the importance of pursuing ambitious goals. He emphasized that achieving one dream should inspire continued aspiration. The outdoor match represents more than a game, serving as a reminder that significant learning experiences often occur outside traditional academic settings.

Future Outdoor Sports Events The successful execution of this outdoor volleyball court could establish a precedent for similar events in central Minnesota. If the match proves popular and logistically feasible, other schools might consider adapting their facilities for outdoor sports. This could lead to increased community engagement and novel experiences across the region. Impact on Local Sports and Education The project demonstrates the potential for interdisciplinary learning, combining vocational skills with pursuits. If this model gains traction, it could influence curriculum development, encouraging more hands-on, community-integrated projects. For Sartell High School, the initiative enhances its reputation for innovation and community spirit, potentially attracting more students to both its construction and programs.