The Atlantic Cape Community College men's volleyball team is excited about its second season.
The Buccaneers roster dominated by freshmen who saw success in the Cape Atlantic League as high school seniors last year.
“I couldn’t be happier with how our transition is going," said Coach Karla Maisto of the team's second year. "We had many new recruits coming into this spring and these aren’t just any players. Nearly all played varsity high school volleyball and some were even first-team all stars.
“I think the drastic turnaround this year will solidify Atlantic Cape as real contenders in (the National Junior College Athletic Association's) Region 19.”
The team split its first four matches in New York against Nassau Community College and Monroe. Then the Buccaneers won their home opener Wednesday with a 3-2 victory over Middlesex County College.
One student athlete is returning from last year’s roster, sophomore Narshid Cruz, a middle hitter. He and fellow sophomore Emmanuel Waugh are expected to take leadership roles. Waugh played Division III last year at Neumann University in Aston, Pa.
Freshman Aiden Nicholls, who played with Waugh on a very successful 2022 Hammonton High School team, will look to benefit from that familiarity on the court.
Freshman Collin O’Brien comes from Passaic County and is currently part of the Stockton University Transfer Pathways Program at Atlantic Cape.
Ambinintsoa "Yohan" Rasoloharison is a freshman who transferred from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pa., while Joshua Baez and Nasir Haines are also making their Atlantic Cape debut this year.
The Buccaneers are also welcoming two freshmen who were CAL first-team all stars in 2023 at their respective high schools.
Cristofer Evangelista, of Pleasantville High School, and Alec Barnes, of Egg Harbor Township High School.
Maisto has high hopes for Barnes, who she believes has the potential to play at a Division I or II school right now.
“My two main goals for this year is not only to make the Region 19 playoffs, but to at least make it to the final, and continue to grow Atlantic Cape’s name throughout South Jersey to ensure a steady flow of future student athletes,” Maisto said.
Growth within the sport nationally, and particularly in the Southern New Jersey region, is evident as rising collegians are seeking to take their talents to a higher level against tougher competition.
“There is a huge influx of seniors who want to play at the next level and, fortunately for us, we have had many athletes flocking to our program,” Maisto said. “I feel that I can now convince these young men, who might not have gone to college or do not want to attend a four-year school, to enroll in Atlantic Cape to get some collegiate volleyball experience.”
Maisto, 39, has been coaching since 2006. She has been coaching the women’s program since 2019.
Maisto also served as head coach for the Atlantic County Institute of Technology boy’s program since 2020.
She played for Rutgers University and still plays competitively in USA Volleyball and local tournaments, as well as in recreational leagues three to four times a week.
“Both (Assistant Coach) Josh (Concepcion) and I have never been more excited for an upcoming season,” Maisto said. “These boys are eager to learn and compete. They have been in the gym whenever possible since this past summer. The future looks bright for men’s volleyball at Atlantic Cape!”
Visit atlanticcape.edu/mensvolleyball for upcoming games, roster and coach’s informatio
