High school volleyball preview: Former Medina, Cloverleaf assistant Adam Vigneault tasked with building program at MCA

MONTVILLE TWP. — It was only a matter of time before Adam Vigneault was in charge of a high school volleyball program. That time is now, and the place is Medina Christian. Former Medina and Cloverleaf assistant Vigneault has been tasked with building the Knights — and their fledgling OHSAA squad — into a small-school power. "We have an opportunity to build something special here, which is why I was so excited about the job," Vigneault said. "The girls are eager to learn and get better, and the school has everything in place to make it happen." The Archbishop Hoban and Tiffin University graduate spent the previous six years with the Bees and one season with the Colts, working on the staffs of three varsity coaches. Vigneault's passion for the sport was notable, along with his voice, which he displayed by singing the national anthem at a number of home matches. "Adam is the right person to lead our program," Knights athletic director Dawn Conwill said. "We were impressed with the way he worked with the players at Medina and are confident he will have the same impact at Medina Christian." The Knights went 8-9 and lost their initial OHSAA tournament match last fall but looked like a completely different team in their 2024 opener against Cloverleaf — one befitting of the school's sparkling gymnasium. Recognizing the potential for immediate improvement, Conwill and Vigneault dramatically upgraded Medina Christian's non-league schedule. In addition to hosting the Colts, Greater Cleveland Conference member Euclid will play at the Knights this week. They also will travel to Mansfield St. Peter's in September. "Dawn brought me in to take the program to the next level, and an established program like Cloverleaf is where we want to be," said Vigneault, who has 16 total years of coaching experience. "We want to raise the bar." Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on X.