Junior Zephir Wilson — a three-year varsity boys volleyball player and club athlete — balances tournaments, academics, and his life at La Salle as he works toward playing volleyball in college.

Wilson started playing volleyball in eighth grade, and he makes use of his experience as a member of the La Salle boys volleyball team. 

Standing at six feet, three inches and playing middle blocker, he takes advantage of his height and athleticism to make plays up front. Also competing for the club AJAX, he travels from state to state, competing at national-level tournaments.

Wilson’s height gives him an edge over other players, but also comes with some disadvantages. 

“I get hurt a lot because I’m so tall,” he said. “I’ve grown so quickly.” 

Beyond high school, contacting college coaches is something Wilson has made a priority.

“That’s what I procrastinate on the most,” he said.

Rather than a Division I school, Wilson would prefer Division II or Division III, because he wants to go to a school where has a better chance of getting playing time and having fun.

Wilson loves volleyball because of the community, specifically how supportive and kind they are. He sees his teammates supporting each other on and off the court.

Some of the most enjoyable memories Wilson has with his team occur outside of the sport, an aspect of his team chemistry that he appreciates. He mentioned in particular going to a Trail Blazers game, eating out with teammates, traveling for tournaments, and going to the top of the St. Louis Arch in Missouri.

Wilson believes he has learned a lot from the sport.

“If I have a really bad practice, that doesn’t mean I’m bad at the sport,” Wilson said. This lesson is something he takes outside of volleyball as well, finding it useful in his everyday life. “You can have a bad day, and it doesn’t really reflect you — it’s just a moment in time.”

This year, Wilson is expecting to have a good season with his school team. “Aero [Rahimi] and Evan [O’Neil], they’ve both gotten so much better, including me and Jayden [Gilbert], who’s also really good for back row,” he said. 

He believes their collective improvement should help the team. He added, “we got third in state, which is pretty good,” reflecting on how they already were a top playoff contender.

Beyond the court and in the classroom, Wilson’s favourite subjects are chemistry, biology and art. His favorite teacher is Choir and Guitar Teacher Mr. Otto Wild.

 “I think La Salle’s community is good … I like it compared to a lot of other high schools,” he said, noting how he appreciates how supportive the community is.  

Outside of school and sports, Wilson likes slowing down by practicing the violin, which he’s been playing for 11 years. 

Additionally, he enjoys participating in several of his family’s fun traditions, such as going camping at Steamboat Creek for birthdays and attending the Oregon Country Fair. He also really enjoys living in Oregon. 

“I like Oregon a lot,” he said. “I like the geography. I like that there’s the difference between forests and desert and the mountains.”