The Norwalk Volleyball Team competed at state on Monday for the first time in program history.
Another first for the volleyball program is the first year head coach John Fulton has been teaching at Norwalk High School. It is his second year coaching volleyball at Norwalk.
“I truly enjoy the sport, and seeing the girls grow in their skills is great,” he said. “It is the most exciting sport we get to play here.”
Fulton had taught and coached in Perry before coming to Norwalk last year. He taught at Norwalk Middle School last year and coached at the high school.
“When we had the opening in social studies this year, I was excited that Mr. Fulton applied because it’s just a good idea to have your varsity-level coaches as teachers in the building,” said Chris Basinger, principal. “That gives them an opportunity to know the students on their team.”
Student and volleyball player Katie Larson said she is glad to have Fulton as her coach.
“He has a good relationship with everyone on the team,” Larson said. “Very positive.”
Larson said Fulton does a good job and adds value to the team.
“He plans a good practice so we all can get the certain reps in that we need, and he also is just positive in the huddles at games,” Larson said.
Another student and volleyball player, Ava McKay, said she really likes being a part of the team.
“Just to spend some time with the girls is really fun,” McKay said. “I love building a bond with everybody. Over the past few years, having the same couple of girls is great to build more of a bond.”
Fulton said he’s very happy to be the head volleyball coach at Norwalk.
“It’s not the sport though,” he said. “[It’s the] the team working and getting along.”
