Madewell tabbed as leader of WCHS boys club volleyball
Boys volleyball may still be waiting for its official TSSAA debut, but Warren County High School isn't waiting to get started.
The Pioneers are taking the first step toward bringing the sport to campus by launching a club team this spring, with longtime coach Chris Madewell tapped to lead the program as it begins laying the foundation for the future.
For Madewell, the opportunity was one he couldn't pass up.
"There were two things (that made me want to lead the program). I enjoyed starting the team at Covenant from scratch. It’s fun seeing the players develop so much over the first couple of years. I look forward to doing that with these boys. Secondly, I’ve really enjoyed coaching football again. I feel like I’m back to where God has called me to be,” said Madewell.
The move comes as boys volleyball continues to gain momentum across Tennessee, even if the sport hasn't yet reached the participation numbers necessary to earn TSSAA sanctioning.
In June, Page High School planned to ask the TSSAA Board of Control to designate boys volleyball as an emerging sport for the 2026-27 school year, with full sanctioned status expected the following season. No action was taken after participation levels across the state fell short of the requirements, according to TSSAA Board of Control president Dr. Grant Swallows.
That means schools interested in the sport will continue building through club programs until enough teams are established.
Warren County hopes to be ready when that day arrives.
The process mirrors the path girls flag football recently took in Tennessee. Programs first competed at the club level before earning emerging sport status and eventually becoming a fully sanctioned TSSAA championship sport. And the Lady Pioneers have excelled immediately, making it to the region finals this past spring.
Boys volleyball appears to be on a similar trajectory as participation continues to grow nationwide.
By getting involved now, Warren County hopes to establish a program, develop players and avoid playing catch-up once official competition begins.
The Pioneers also turned to a familiar face to oversee those early stages.
Madewell has built a reputation throughout Warren County as a successful coach and program builder. He previously coached Covenant's girls volleyball team and is one of the winningest football coaches in Warren County High School history, giving him decades of experience developing athletes and building successful teams.
His return to volleyball also comes with recent playing experience.
Over the last two months, Madewell has helped lead Covenant Fellowship Church in the Warren County Church League Volleyball season, staying active in the sport while sharpening the skills he'll now pass along to a new generation of players.
The club team will spend this spring introducing boys volleyball to local athletes while preparing for the day the TSSAA officially adds the sport to its championship lineup.
More information on tryouts, schedules and participation opportunities is expected to be announced in the coming months.
