Oregon Boys Volleyball Thrives Amid State Tournament Excitement
Hillsboro, OR – May 24, 2025 – The emergence of boys volleyball in Oregon was vividly displayed on Saturday, as Parkrose and Franklin/McDaniel showcased their talent in the state tournament held at Olympus Sports Center. The Parkrose Broncos, top-seeded in the 5A tournament, demonstrated their prowess with a commanding sweep against Hood River Valley, winning 25-17, 25-12, 25-14, followed by a 3-1 semifinal victory over Silverton. They aim for a championship showdown against Summit on Sunday evening.
Under Coach Joseph Porche, Parkrose’s spirit remains buoyant and loose, with players enjoying the game while remaining competitive. "We’re emotionally driven," Porche noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining a fun atmosphere.
Conversely, the Franklin/McDaniel Lightning faced a tougher path in the 6A tournament, overcoming a slow start to beat South Salem 3-0 in the quarterfinals. They fought valiantly against top-seeded Central Catholic, but ultimately lost a nail-biting semifinal 3-2. Aiming for third place against Nelson, they display the vibrancy of this emerging sport in the region.
Boys volleyball is experiencing rapid growth, with 68 teams participating this season. Officially recognized as an "emerging activity" by the OSAA since October 2023, it is on track for potential full sanctioning next fall.
Parkrose captain Finn Sathrum expressed pride in representing a school that often feels underrepresented, reflecting the increasing popularity and significance of boys volleyball within their community. Meanwhile, Franklin’s junior standout Given Unwin emphasized the sport’s growing appeal, stating, "It’s by far the fastest growing sport in the U.S."
As the tournament draws to a close, both teams have not only proven their competitive mettle but also highlighted the transformative potential of boys volleyball for student-athletes across Oregon.
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