SPRINGFIELD – The year was 1994. A 14-year-old Thurston high schooler, Steve Smith was curious about the frisson of excitement around volleyball that rippled throughout his school. At the time, Thurston featured an official volleyball class and Smith already knew several friends who participated.
In his youthful vigor, and after careful, sustained interest, Smith decided to test his resolve by signing up for an open gym volleyball tournament. The co-ed tournament featured adults and other…
