The men's volleyball team won its first game of the season against Massachusetts Institute of Technology last Saturday.
With a record of 1-3, the team is hopeful that the win, while out of league, will turn its season around.
It represents a glimmer of hope for the College-recognized varsity team that has been training itself for the past four years because it does not have a professional coach.
"We're probably the only Division I team in the country that doesn't have a coach," Co-captain Doug Scott '94 said. "So everyone on the team has responsibilities."
The players handle everything from transportation to advertising. The captains are responsible for arranging matches with coaches and raising money for the under-funded team.
"We've just gotten Nike to sponsor us with shoes and Asics to give us sweatshirts and bags," Scott said.
A lack of funding for the team's trips and uniforms has forced the players to raise money themselves. They have sold shirts and gone to alumni events in search of support.
"We are a varsity team with the budget of a sports club. The $1,000 that we get is not enough for a season," Leo Park '97 said. "If we could get some funding and a coach, this team could really take off."
Ken Jones, associate director of the physical education department, has helped the team with many of its administrative requirements.
"His office has been fundamental in making this a reality," Scott said. "He has helped arrange court time and signed contracts for us."
The team's future looks particularly promising. Three of the starting six players are freshman.
"I think the program has gotten much better," Co-captain Alex Szidon '94. "We're starting to attract some great talent."
Scott agreed. "The way the EIVA, Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association, has been restructured this year makes me believe we have a chance to make the playoffs if we start playing well," he said.
"There's a lot of good players on this team," Park said. "We really have to be disciplined without someone in charge. Doug and Alex have done a great job, but it's hard being coached by players."
The team will play a league match at Rutgers University Saturday, and return home to host Harvard Feb. 10.
