When the final point was played at the 2026 AAU Junior National Championships, Triangle Boys 18 Black had earned a silver medal in the highly competitive 18 Open division. But for those who watched this group grow over the past four seasons, that final match represented far more than a runner-up finish – it marked the culmination of one of the most successful and enduring runs in Triangle Volleyball history.
The 2026 season ended with an extraordinary 72-9 record and an appearance in the 18 Open National Championship match, capping a four-year journey defined by consistency, resilience, and championship-caliber volleyball.
The core of this team consists of seven seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore, all of whom have competed together throughout their high school club careers. From two seasons as Triangle Boys 16 Black, through 17 Black, and finally 18 Black, they developed not only exceptional volleyball skills, but also the chemistry, trust, and resilience that can only come from years of competing alongside one another.
Over four consecutive seasons, they compiled an astonishing 269-45 overall record, winning more than 85% of their matches. Their accomplishments on the national stage were equally remarkable:
• 16 Open AAU National Champions (2024)
• 5th Place – 17 Open AAU National Championships
• 2nd Place – 18 Open AAU National Championships
Few teams sustain excellence across multiple age divisions. This group was not going to be defined by one magical season – they established themselves among the nation’s elite year after year, consistently competing with and defeating many among the country’s top programs.
Along the way, they earned countless championships at major events, collected victories over many of the nation’s top-ranked clubs, and helped elevate Triangle Volleyball’s reputation as one of the premier boys’ volleyball programs in the United States. Their sustained success was built not only on exceptional talent, but also on an unwavering commitment to daily improvement, disciplined training, and placing the team above individual recognition.
Their legacy extends well beyond wins and medals. This group exemplifies what Triangle’s mission seeks to impart on young people. While embracing a highly technical training environment and challenging schedules against elite competition, they represented the club with professional class, respect for opponents and those serving our game and impeccable character. Whether it was younger athletes watching from the sidelines, officials working matches, tournament directors, or opposing teams across the country, those who encountered this group witnessed the same qualities: teamwork, humility, selflessness, and genuine respect for the game.
Many of these athletes will now continue their volleyball careers at the collegiate level, while others will carry the lessons learned through the sport into new chapters of their lives. Regardless of where life takes them next, they leave behind a standard that future Triangle teams will aspire to reach.
Championships are remembered. Records eventually fade. But culture and character endure.
For four remarkable years, this group built a true brotherhood that valued service, dedication, trust, love and excellence in all things. They demonstrated that sustained success is never accidental, instead, it is earned through hard work in the gym, a commitment to process, countless miles traveled, and an unwavering belief in one another.
The 2026 season marked the end of our Senior’s competitive journey, but not the end of its legacy. While this particular chapter comes to a close, the story of Triangle Boys Volleyball is far from finished. The culture established by this remarkable group has already taken root within the program. With returning standouts Wade Coppedge, Branson Liquorie, and Ezra Bright forming the core of our future, the standard of excellence, selflessness, and commitment built over the past four seasons will continue to shape the future of Triangle Boys Volleyball. The Triangle Boys 18 Black legacy will not simply be remembered—it will be carried forward.
Congratulations to Triangle Boys 18 Black on an unforgettable journey. Thank you for raising the standard, inspiring the next generation, and forever securing your place among the greatest teams in Triangle Volleyball history.
Coaching Staff:
• Head Coach, Michael Webster
• Assistant Coaches, Meredith Blum and Brian Poppe
• Coaching Contributors (over the years): Jackson Carroll, Shaun Ermi, Brendan and Katherine Koslowsky, Jackie Walejko and Grant Kaestner.
The members of Triangle Boys 18 Black are:
ATHLETE……………….HIGH SCHOOL | COLLEGE…….HS GRAD YR
Ezra Bright……………..Living Stones Academy………………2027
Wade Coppedge…….Grace Christian School……………….2028
Branson Liquorie…….Research Triangle HS…………………2027
SENIOR ATHLETE……………….HIGH SCHOOL | COLLEGE……………………………….HS GRAD YR
Cole Creedle……………………Eno River Academy | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY………………..2026
Peter Debiec……………………Green Level HS | STANFORD UNIVERSITY………………….2026
Sterling DeLane*………………Smithfield Selma HS | SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE…….2026
Thomas Demps IV…………….Broughton HS | PENN STATE UNIVERSITY………………….2026
Nolan Jones…………………….Homeschool | BALL STATE UNIVERSITY……………………..2026
Deuce Ross II…………………..Cary Academy | SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE…………………..2026
Beckett Walsh…………………..North Raleigh Christian Academy | BELMONT ABBEY…..2026
Sam Webster…………………….Holly Springs HS | SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE………………2026
*Alternate/Practice Player
Past Players:
• Lev Marushevskyi (UNC)
• Alex Ousley Naseman
• Paxton de Tenley (Dominican University)