St. Paul City Conference Teams Advance to Minnesota State High School Boys Volleyball Tournament
The St. Paul City Conference secured its first-ever representation in the Minnesota State High School League’s Boys Volleyball State Tournament in 2022, marking a milestone for high school volleyball in the region. According to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), two teams from the conference—Cretin-Herbert and St. Paul Academy—qualified for the inaugural event, which took place in March 2022.
How Did the St. Paul Teams Perform?
Cretin-Herbert, the conference champion, advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating two lower-seeded teams in the regional rounds. St. Paul Academy, the runner-up in the conference, reached the regional semifinals before falling to a stronger opponent. Both teams faced challenges against larger schools from outside the conference, highlighting the competitive gap in Minnesota’s high school volleyball landscape.
What Does This Mean for the St. Paul City Conference?
The qualification of two teams from the St. Paul City Conference underscores growing investment in high school volleyball programs. According to a 2022 report by the MSHSL, participation in boys volleyball has increased by 18% statewide over the past five years, with urban schools like those in St. Paul leading the charge. Coaches attribute the success to expanded training facilities and partnerships with local clubs.
How Does This Compare to Other Conferences?
In 2022, the Southwest Conference and the Greater Southwestern Conference each sent three teams to the state tournament, while the St. Paul City Conference’s two teams placed it among smaller conferences in terms of representation. However, the conference’s performance exceeded expectations, with Cretin-Herbert finishing in the top 10% of all teams in the state.
What’s Next for Minnesota High School Volleyball?
The MSHSL announced plans to expand the state tournament to 16 teams in 2023, a move aimed at increasing opportunities for smaller schools. “This is a step toward equity in high school sports,” said MSHSL Director of Athletics Jeff Kehoe in a 2022 interview. The St. Paul City Conference’s 2022 participation is seen as a catalyst for further growth, with local schools already investing in coaching staff and facility upgrades.
For now, the 2022 tournament remains a landmark moment for St. Paul’s volleyball programs, proving that regional teams can compete on the state stage.
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