Recently, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has added a new sport to the fall season with Boys Volleyball! This addition has been long awaiting, especially here at AHS as boys volleyball was only a club last year. With the addition of this new athletic program, the Atoms gained a new coach: Willem Hawthorne!

This year, along with the program making its debut, Coach Hawthorne made his debut at AHS. So far, the team is on a  3-3 record at the time of writing, which is led by great players, but ultimately strong coaching from Hawthorne.

As the young team progressed, Hawthorne created a new coaching style he classified as “as goal oriented.” This is a strategic coaching method that Hawthorne uses to “encourage players to be responsible for their own success on and off the court” added Hawthorne. Having a strong and effective coaching style is evident for any sport, but has proven to be evident for the Atoms!

As the Atoms progress through their season, the team has been focused on some goals set my Hawthrone. “our goals are centered around building towards the future by creating a team culture focused on growth and accountability” said Hawthorne. Having this strong goal as the pilot for this team is a strong source of fuel leading the Atoms to victory.

Being the first coach of Atoms Boys volleyball is a task not taken lightly. Hawthorne has added that coaching this year “has been a very rewarding experience” and has helped him grow off the court and inside the classroom. In the classroom, has been able to immerse himself into the community around him and “ create relationships with students outside of the classroom.” In a school with so much diversity like AHS, this is a outstanding trait that helps Hawthorne excel on the court and in the classroom.

If you want to continue to support Hawthorne and the Atoms Volleyball team, You can support them at a upcoming game, or following them on instagram @atoms_boysvb!