Duvall settling in as Perkins volleyball coach

Brandon Duvall has been around volleyball a long time. Currently, he serves as director of business development at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky. But when Perkins High School needed a new head volleyball coach, it didn't take much selling for him to apply and recently be named to the position. "I think we have all the right components in place to make this a successful season," Duvall said. "We have talent, experience, leadership, chemistry and a supportive team around the team. "Last year's record does not represent the potential of this team. As we continue to develop a team above self culture, we expect success to follow." Duvall was introduced to volleyball in junior high while living in Virginia Beach, Va. The school he attended initially didn't offer boys volleyball, but he played at the beach almost every weekend. During his senior year, Virginia Beach schools introduced boys volleyball. Despite not understanding the indoor game well, he was named co-captain thanks to his beach experience. After high school, he became a member of the Old Dominion University men's club team before moving into coaching. In 2007, he was a part-time assistant coach for Virginia Wesleyan College. One year later, Duvall became an assistant at Norfolk State. He was promoted to head coach in 2010 where he was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 2011, his Coastal Virginia Volleyball Club 16U team won an AAU national championship. He was named the Hampton University head coach in 2016. He left Hampton just before the COVID shutdown to open the Virginia Beach Sports Center. "I've done as much research possible to learn about our upcoming opponents," Duvall said. "We have our work cut out against some very good teams that are well-coached. I wouldn't call this a rebuilding year by any means, but we still have a lot to learn from each other. "I believe we have everything we need right now to hit the road running, and there is genuine excitement from the team for the challenges to come." The workload at the Virginia Beach Sports Center made it impossible to return to club coaching. After two seasons, he moved to Hamilton, Ohio, to be the Tournament Director at the nation's newest and largest sports facility, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill. That housed 28 basketball courts, 46 volleyball courts, a fitness center, hotels and conference center. "Once again, opening a brand-new facility made it difficult to dedicate any time to coaching," Duvall said. "Thankfully, becoming the Director of Business Development at the well-established Cedar Point Sports Center offers me a better work-life balance. "I was told that Perkins was looking for a varsity volleyball coach and was encouraged by my boss, Justin Kijowski, who spoke highly of the school, administration, and support of the community. After meeting with the athletic director, Brad Watson, I was sold." His position as the Director of Business Development puts Duvall in direct contact with all events that take place at Cedar Point Sports Center. That includes volleyball, basketball and wrestling tournaments, expos, trade shows and everything in between. He works closely with Perkins assistant girls basketball coach Kaelyn Harkness to create an exceptional experience for all of the event partners. The Pirates were 6-18 last season. Perkins had just two girls earn Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division honors. First-team pick Ferrell Coleman is back for her senior year, but honorable mention choice Olivia Hartung graduated. Hartung's 431 digs topped the Pirates, while Coleman led Perkins with 237 kills and 62 blocks last year. Senior Micah Normington-Slay returns after lining 164 kills and stuffing 39 blocks last season. "I am fortunate to walk into this program with great senior leadership," Duvall said. "Micah Slay, Ferrell Coleman, and Avery Maldonado are just a few of our seniors who experienced significant playing time last season and will be expected to push the program to a new level. All the returners are goal-driven and are motivated to make a lasting impact." Sophomore Braelyn Davie recorded 543 assists and was second on the team with 239 digs. "I am beyond excited to get started," Duvall said. "We get our first test as a team with the upcoming Summer Spiketacular tournaments at Cedar Point Sports Center. I cannot wait to see this team compete."