The second the boys’ varsity volleyball senior posters were posted in the gym of the Senior High School, questions arose.

Who is Matthew LaMay?

To North Allegheny volleyball fans, LaMay is the player with the blistering jump serve, routinely the one Coach Long employs to begin a match.

But to the general NASH student body, the outside hitter is never seen in the halls and classrooms.

That’s because LaMay is homeschooled.

LaMay has been playing for NAVB since he first tried out in seventh grade.

“When Coach Schall was the head coach he would run camps in the summer for fifth and sixth graders to get us to know volleyball. I did all of those before I tried out,” he said.

LaMay said that his introduction to the team was seamless despite not attending NA schools.

“I’ve never received any discrimination from the coaches,” he said. “After seeing me play, the coaches and players both accepted me. I made friends quickly. It was never a problem.”

LaMay noted that two of his older brothers also played for the team and knew the coaches well, a factor he believes played a role in his smooth transition to the roster.

However, despite all three of the LaMay brothers being stand-out athletes, Matthew will be the first to play in college.

“Two of my brothers have their own business out of school, so they didn’t end up going to college,” he said. “My other brother works with Caterpillar.”

All three of his brothers are examples of how their parents’ choice to homeschool led their kids to pursue paths that are uncommon here at NA.

“They thought homeschooling would be a more effective form of schooling because it’s so personalized,” explained LaMay. “They liked the idea of having a specified education for each kid to help us learn.”

LaMay’s unique schooling allowed him to prioritize work, sports, and even early college courses. During volleyball season, he carpools to Geneva College along with another homeschooled friend every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“During my free time on campus, I try to get some homework done,” he said. “I usually get back right in time for practice, and then finish my school work when I get home.”

Tuesdays and Thursdays, however, are the days when LaMay takes advantage of his customizable schedule.

“On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have work in the morning, so I get up early to get some school done, go to work, then get home to get ready for practice,” he said.

LaMay’s homeschooled career has opened up his day to allow him to pursue his education, his sports passion, and a part-time job at Chick-Fil-A. Not only that, but LaMay puts the common homeschooler stereotype to rest by surrounding himself with close friends, on and off the court.

“During the summer, a group of us senior players would go golfing together or set up a grass net at a park and play some volleyball,” he said about his volleyball team. “But I definitely do have a ton of friends outside of volleyball, too, through homeschool and church. They’re two different circles, but I definitely have good friends in both.”

While excelling on the boys’ volleyball team here at NASH, LaMay was also contacted by the Geneva College rugby coach, who noticed his talent on the court and on the field during his time playing club football.

“Most people would be surprised to know I play rugby,” LaMay said. “The coach reached out to me and invited me to some of their practices. I’m now good friends with some of the guys on the team now.”

LaMay noted that both the sports he plans to play in college are relatively niche, but he is passionate about each one and is excited to continue his volleyball career specifically.

“Volleyball is sort of just what I do,” he said. “It’s not a super normal men’s sport — I guess that’s why I like it. The more you play it and the higher the rank you get, the more specialized, detailed, and fun it gets.”

His place as a starter on the varsity team is unchallenged, despite his homeschool education. He is close with his teammates, driven in school, and passionate about his athletics.

Despite this, LaMay’s teammates still joke about his surprisingly normal and natural personality.

“My teammates always tell me I’m not as awkward as they thought a homeschooler would be,” he said. “I mean, there definitely are some awkward homeschoolers. Something’s got to keep the stereotype alive. Really, there are just awkward people, and some of them happen to be homeschooled.”