As the Edison High boys volleyball team takes the court this spring, Head Coach Jason Wernlund continues to build the program with a vision built on intensity and accountability. With a deep-rooted passion for the sport and a commitment to his team, Wernlund has helped push the program to a different level.
Wernlund’s connection to volleyball began during his freshman year at Piscataway High School, when he and his friends developed an interest in the sport through PE classes. This early exposure eventually grew into something more meaningful, molding both his playing career and his future as a coach.
“What inspired me to become a coach was to give back to the program that opened up so many opportunities for me at Piscataway,” said Wernlund.
His coaching journey began briefly after graduating, when he had returned to help with his former program. Wernlund continued to stay involved while continuing his education. After college, he gained in-depth experience as an assistant coach at Cranford before ultimately arriving at Edison High as a PE and Health teacher, where he now leads the boys volleyball program.
For Wernlund, coaching goes beyond simply teaching the game—it’s about building a diverse culture. “When we walk into the gym, we are solely focused on volleyball,” he said. His goal from the start was to transform the program into one that others respect, and that standard is reflected in the effort his players put in on a daily basis.
“Seeing how hard they work for me inside and outside the classroom shows the mutual respect we have for one another,” said Wernlund. “Creating goals and reaching them through hard work and passion and not cutting corners brings me joy.”
This dedication is especially clear in the team’s strenuous schedule. During the course of the season, the boys volleyball team typically plays about three matches per week in a best-of-three format, while practices fill in the remaining days. Saturdays often means additional work, whether through practices or tournaments. Preparation is intentional and strategic, with Wernlund concentrating on both improving his team’s weaknesses and building on existing strengths and weaknesses.
Early in the season, Wernlund has already identified key strengths within his team. “Strengths that I see so far would be defense, size, and aggressiveness,” he said. “I think we have the ability to shock a lot of teams if we are able to play our best volleyball more times than not.”
Like any competitive program, challenges are inevitable. Wernlund points to both physical and mental fatigue as some of the biggest obstacles players face throughout the season. However, his approach remains consistent: push players to be prepared and hold them to a high standard.
“I coach the boys hard,” said Wernlund. “I know the type of volleyball we need to play to be able to beat these white division and red division teams in the GMC.”
One of the most defining moments of Wernlund’s coaching career came during the 2024 season, when Edison defeated St. Joseph of Metuchen not once, but twice. “Beating them in their gym during the regular season was one thing, but then beating them during the county tournament solidified that our team was legit,” said Wernlund. For him, this victory carried personal significance, as his final high school game had ended in a loss to the same opponent in that very gym. Marking a full-circle experience, this memory turned a once painful memory into a meaningful milestone.
When it comes to preparing his team for high-pressure situations, Wernlund highlights trust in the work they have put in. He constantly reminds his players that not every point or set will go their way, but composure and continued resilience are key. Through timeouts, communication, and motivating players to support one another, he helps the team concentrate well during critical moments.
Beyond strategy and competition, Wernlund is passionate about the life lessons the sport provides. His advice to students considering joining the team showcases this enthusiasm. “Do it! I’m a bit biased, but I believe it’s the best sport in the world,” said Wernlund. “It’s physical, tactical, and you can make great friends and memories along the way,”
He also makes it clear that his coaching style is rooted in high expectations. “Athletics are meant to be competitive,” he said. “As athletes, being able to respond to your coach benefits your teammates, yourself, and the program as a whole.”
With a strong foundation already in place, Wernlund remains centered around continuing to expand the program and push his team forward. “I am so proud of what I have built here at Edison High thus far, but we aren’t done just yet,” said Wernlund.
As the season unfolds, one message remains at the core of his approach—one that defines both his coaching and his expectations for his players: “Don’t ever lose your competitive spirit.”