LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 2024 volleyball season has concluded, and three Thunder girls teams all finished the year ranked among the top 20 in their respective divisions following the National Christian Homeschool Volleyball Championship on Saturday.


After winning the Division II title in 2023, the Thunder girls varsity team chose to promote to Division I and then proved it was the correct decision as they wrapped up the best season in school history.  NBT finished the year ranked 13th nationally with a 32-10 overall record.  


“The expectation is high here,” varsity head coach Chris Valdez said. “As a program, we strive to push the limit of our players and to level up with each point, match and season. We did so this year.”


Those expectations will remain in place for next season as the Thunder lose only one player from the roster.  Six starters and 11 letterwinners return with an eye on climbing even higher at next year’s national tournament.


In the 16U age group, the JV Black squad also promoted to Division I.  With a final record of 25-17, the Black & Teal tallied the program’s highest-ever national ranking at No. 12.


Perhaps the big surprise for the Thunder was the performance of its 14U team composed of a hybrid of MS-A and MS-B players.  NBT came within a single point of winning a Gold Ball, ultimately coming home with the Division II Silver Ball after rolling to a 5-3 showing on the national stage.  The team ends its year ranked 19th in the nation.


“I feel like NB Thunder volleyball has the winning formula figured out,” added Valdez. “We keep God first, focus intently on character development, and try to get better with each day.  And that’s from varsity down to the 10-year-olds.”