With more people filling the stands at games and a growing roster, Lincoln’s boys volleyball program is making a name for itself during one of its most important seasons yet.

Despite boys volleyball being an OSAA-sanctioned sport, the PIL (Portland Interscholastic League) was not able to fund the team due to budget issues, leaving the team in a challenging position.

Students have bounced back and stepped up, and now the boys volleyball team lives on as a Lincoln club sport. More students than ever are now joining the team, so much so that there has been the addition of a JV team.

“This year we have two teams, and the whole varsity team has [played] before,” said sophomore Beck Hastie, who has been playing club volleyball since eighth grade. He joined the Lincoln program last year.

An increase in students joining the team has improved the overall competitiveness.

“The games are more competitive,” said Hastie.

His teammates agree, including junior Ayden Phan, who has been playing volleyball for two years.

“The new players are super lively and fun to be around. More players means more interesting and competitive [games]. Overall, the more the merrier,” said Phan.

Even with the increase in players, the boys volleyball team has suffered some consequences because it is not categorized as a PIL sport.

“We [practice] from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Last year, it was always 4-6 p.m., right after school. We [practice] pretty late now because there’s no [funding] for the coaches to reschedule all this stuff,” said Hastie, highlighting the effects of the lack of funding.

Off the court, the boys volleyball team fosters a great community.

“There are varying levels of experience, but the older players, notably the seniors, are very patient and willing to help, [and] the same goes for the whole team,” said Phan.

Hastie says it’s held together by camaraderie.

“I like that I can play with my friends,” said Hastie.