September 11, 2026 – Story by Cam Cyr, photos by Joshua Ross
The Hingham Harborwomen volleyball team has a new coach, a new outlook and an early signature win.
Fabian Ardila, who brings more than 30 years of volleyball coaching experience to Hingham, has taken over as the program’s head coach. Ardila has coached at both the high school and collegiate levels and currently serves as an assistant coach at Babson College.
Ardila is the Harborwomen’s third head coach in the past few years, but the team has quickly embraced his approach. Hingham recently defeated Duxbury at home, 3-2, for the first time in five years, to move their record to 2-0.
“It feels so amazing,” senior captain Reese Barnes said following the win. “Our whole team kept our energy the whole time, and I’m so proud of us. And big thanks to our new coaches, they’re literally the best.”
Senior captain Liana Melgoza said the team’s younger players also stepped up in the victory.
“Everyone’s stepping up as a leader on the team, and I’m so, so proud of the effort everyone brought tonight,” she said.
For Ardila, the opportunity to return to high school volleyball was about finding a group of players he wanted to coach.
“Hingham volleyball players are energetic, committed and gritty,” Ardila said. “When I found out about the opening, I knew that these were the type of players I wanted to be a part of.”
His philosophy emphasizes hard work, discipline and consistency, while also making sure his players enjoy the game.
“Work hard, work smart, be disciplined, be consistent, be committed, and above all have fun,” Ardila said. “I find that when a player is not having fun, they are not learning.”
The Harborwomen’s historic win over Duxbury reflected that preparation. Barnes said the team studied Duxbury’s film and stayed energized even after falling behind.
“We just kept up our energy the whole time, even when we were down in the match,” Barnes said. “We eventually came back, and I think that’s what really was the game.”
Melgoza credited Ardila’s emphasis on team bonding for helping the players grow closer.
“At practice, our coach Fabe has really been pushing us the extra mile,” she said. “I think that’s really brought us not only together as better players, but better friends.”
Ardila sees the Harborwomen as a strong defensive team and a smart attacking team. He said the team will continue working on offensive consistency, hitting harder and preventing opponents from going on runs.
But his goals extend beyond the court. Ardila said he wants to establish a culture that builds character and confidence while creating a program where players support one another.
The Harborwomen aren’t shy about their goals, either. Barnes and Melgoza have their eyes on a D2 championship, which would be the first in the program’s history.