For many volleyball players, the final point of their competitive career marks the end of their time in the sport. For Ethan Grassl and Myakel Kapalko, it marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that has allowed them to stay connected to volleyball, travel together, build lifelong friendships, and strengthen their relationship along the way.
Although both discovered volleyball at a young age, their journeys into officiating began differently.
Ethan was introduced to volleyball in fifth grade after hearing a friend enthusiastically describe the sport. Despite often being the shortest player on the court,he embraced the challenge, eventually earning a varsity libero position before transitioning to setter and continuing his playing career at St. Norbert College. Today, he also coaches high school volleyball during the collegiate offseason.
For Myakel, volleyball has always been a family affair. With both parents and an older sister involved in the sport, the gym became a second home. She began coaching while still a club athlete and discovered officiating during her final years of club volleyball. What started as officiating younger age divisions quickly grew into a passion that has taken her across the United States and into Canada, working club, collegiate, and international events.
“After finishing my club career, I dove headfirst into officiating,” Myakel said. “That experience changed everything for me. I met incredible people and mentors who I still consider family today.”
While Myakel built years of officiating experience, Ethan found his way back to the stand more recently after encouragement from her. Now a Provisional Official, he hopes to continue advancing through the certification process while expanding his collegiate officiating opportunities.
Their own story began at St. Norbert College, where they met as students and became friends through classes, studying together, and spending time around their volleyball programs. Over time, that friendship grew into a relationship—and today, volleyball continues to be something they share both on and off the court.
Many weekends now begin with an early morning drive to a tournament and end with conversations about the day’s matches on the ride home.
“The drives feel quicker than before, and tournament days are so much better having someone you love waiting to talk about your matches,” Ethan said. “Even though officiating takes up most of the day, we’re still able to explore places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”
For Myakel, having someone who truly understands the unique challenges of officiating has made the experience even more rewarding.
“I really value being able to spend weekends together because there’s always someone who understands exactly how your day went,” she said. “Being able to talk through difficult situations or unusual plays helps you grow so much as an official.”
Beyond the opportunity to spend time together, both appreciate the sense of community that officiating provides.
Ethan enjoys reconnecting with former teammates, coaches, and volleyball families wherever he works, a reminder of how interconnected the volleyball community truly is.
“The volleyball world is constantly growing, yet it still feels like such a small, tight-knit community,” he said.
Myakel hopes more former athletes discover that same sense of belonging after their playing careers end.
“I would really encourage players to consider officiating when their club careers come to an end,” she said. “Learning the game from a completely different perspective makes you a more well-rounded athlete, and some of my closest friendships have come from officiating.”
Both Officials have also enjoyed working JVA events and appreciate initiatives like the JVA Officials Reward Program, which recognizes officials for their continued dedication to the sport.
For Ethan and Myakel, officiating has become much more than making calls from the referee stand. It has provided opportunities to continue learning, mentor athletes, travel to new places, build lifelong friendships, and remain deeply connected to the volleyball community that has given them so much.
Their story is a reminder that the end of a playing career doesn’t have to mean the end of a volleyball journey. Sometimes, picking up a whistle opens the door to new friendships, new adventures, and even new beginnings.
Whether you’re looking to stay involved in the game, give back to the next generation of athletes, or simply experience volleyball from a new perspective, officiating offers a rewarding way to remain part of the sport for years to come.
JVA values the service Officials provide to junior volleyball. Individuals who are passionate about the game and interested in building a career in junior volleyball are encouraged to consider becoming a Certified Official.
Contact JVA Head Official Joseph O’Neal for more information.
Learn about JVA’s Officials Reward Program.
