When Coach Vasilios Tsiouplis first arrived at Beaver five years ago, he was adjusting to much more than a new volleyball program. Having recently moved to the United States from Greece, he was also adapting to a new country and language.
What stood out immediately was the welcome he received.
“I remember how the Beaver community—the Athletic Department, students, and other coaches—welcomed me,” Vasilios said. “My English was not the best, but I felt so comfortable from day one.”
Five years later, Coach Vasilios has left his own mark on the community that welcomed him.
During his time at Beaver, the volleyball program has continued to grow both in participation and competitiveness. More Beaver athletes have joined club volleyball, including Boston United, where Vasilios coaches and directs full-time. For him, seeing athletes become invested in the sport beyond the school season has been especially meaningful.
“I think they got inspired by me, and that makes me unbelievably happy.”
That growth has translated onto the court as well. The 2025 Girls Varsity Volleyball team holds a particularly special place in his five-year journey. That season, Beaver qualified for both the EIL and NEPSAC playoffs for the first time in years. But what made the group especially meaningful went beyond its success: the seniors on that team were among the first athletes Vasilios coached when he arrived at Beaver.
While wins, playoff appearances, and the program’s continued growth are all sources of pride, Coach Vasilios says what matters most is the culture his athletes have created.
“I am proud that we have created a culture where players support each other and take pride in representing Beaver,” he said. “Seeing athletes develop not only as volleyball players, but as confident teammates, leaders, and most importantly good people, has been the most rewarding part of my experience.”
Q&A with Coach Vasilios
What have your athletes taught you?
First of all, that volleyball has to be fun—and everything else comes after that. Coming from a highly competitive professional volleyball environment in Greece, I was used to focusing heavily on performance, results, and competition. Through my players at Beaver, I have rediscovered the fun side of the sport and remembered why I fell in love with volleyball in the first place.
They have reminded me that the joy of the game, the relationships we build, and the experiences we share are more important than the results.
What is one Beaver Volleyball moment you’ll always remember?
Their smiles after a good performance in a practice or match are always what I remember and carry with me. But one moment that stands out was how they reacted when they saw me stepping onto the bus to travel with them for a match. I usually drive myself—it’s a superstition!
They were so happy to see me on the bus, and in that moment, I felt so loved.
What do you hope your athletes take with them when they leave Beaver Volleyball?
I hope my athletes take away lessons that stay with them long after they finish playing volleyball. I want them to understand the value of teamwork, commitment, communication, and supporting the people around them.
I hope they learn how to handle challenges, mistakes, and pressure with confidence and resilience. Most importantly, I want them to know that it is possible to work hard, compete at a high level, and still enjoy what you do.
If they leave the program as better teammates, stronger people, and with great memories of playing volleyball, then I feel we have done something meaningful.
We may not always be champions in volleyball, but I would love for them to be champions as people.