Most everyone has struggled with a new activity, and then improved by working hard.

But for brothers, Justin and Ryan Shaneman, being good at volleyball was second nature. Neither brother had ever played volleyball before, but at their first open gym, they excelled.

“The very first open gym we went to, last year, we both managed to be two of the best there,” Ryan, a junior, said.

The brothers had both wanted to play volleyball for a while and got interested through their older brother, Brendan, a class of 2020 Baldwin alum.

“I started playing because of my older brother, and I was his passing partner,” Justin, a senior, said.

While Justin is older and has been a varsity player for longer, both brothers are ambitious to get a spot on the court.

“When we both started, Justin was more of a varsity player and I was more of a JV player. Now we are both at the same level,” Ryan Shaneman said.

The brothers help each other on the court as well as off the court.

“We help each other at home by passing with each other and giving each other tips on what we can do better with things like serving and spiking,” Ryan said.

Being teammates and brothers does, however, come with a few drawbacks – one of the most prevalent ones being brotherly arguing.

“It definitely does get competitive between us two since we are both trying to go for the same spot,” Justin Shaneman said.

So far in this season, the Baldwin team has been struggling with some factors outside of their control.

“We have had to deal with players being sick a lot, but we hope to be back at 100% before the section games,” Justin said.

An outstanding game for Justin Shaneman was his most recent game against North Hills High School.

“The team was down early in the first and second set, but I helped rally the team by executing kills and passing well,” Justin said.

One of Ryan’s big moments came against Central Catholic last season.

“I had a lot of blocks, one of them being a strongly hit ball straight to the middle,” Ryan said.

Even though they enjoy playing the sport, only Ryan Shaneman is looking to play at the college level.

“I am interested, and I think I could get in,” Ryan said.

Senior teammate Max Tiriobo, who has known the Shanemans since grade school, enjoys having them on the team.

“They are good teammates and are good team players,” Tiriobo said.

Ryan Shaneman especially helps get the team ready, Tiriobo said.

“Ryan is really energetic and pumps up everyone on the team before a game,” he said.

Acting Vice Principal Denise Wells, who coaches the boys volleyball program, said the brothers are easy to coach.

“They are both eager to learn, hard-working, and bring a positive vibe to our team,” Wells said.

Wells is excited about the season and what the brothers are capable of doing this season.

“I am excited to see how well they play this year and contribute to our team,” Wells said.