The Lakers put on a show for a packed house on Youth Night, sweeping Shakopee 3–0. But the W wasn’t the only highlight - the evening doubled as a community celebration, with free activities for kids and a special pre-match moment that brought the future of Lakers volleyball onto the court.

A Community Night, Start to Finish

Free family fun set the tone before first serve. Kids lined up for face painting, grabbed markers for drawing stations, and rotated through mini-games that kept the energy high around the gym. During introductions, local elementary school students joined each high school player on the court. The paired lineup drew huge applause and more than a few proud smiles from families in the stands.

Nights like this do more than fill the stands - they build belonging. It's special to watch these younger athletes see who they can become.

Action-Packed Images to Remember It All

It's nights like these that are so rewarding as a photographer. 12-years ago, I was one of those kids in that very gym - drinking my Cool Blue Gatorade from the concessions stand and cheering on my sister, a former Laker Volleyball player. Getting to experience Prior Lake's Youth Night again years down the road was so special. It really put into perspective the incredible community I was surrounded by in Prior Lake.

A huge thank you to the Volleyball Boosters for inviting me in to capture this special evening. Go Lakers!