Men’s Volleyball looks towards a bright future
By Dorian Alerte | Published by March 26, 2020
For the first time since its 2011 inaugural season, the perennially great Kean Men’s Volleyball team is struggling to get back to their winning ways.
Part of the reason for the Cougars having a 7-10 record is because four seniors have decided to redshirt their senior seasons in order to play together. Among them are Steven Zarzycki, Jake Milnazik, Jay Bynum and Iann Capp. This group includes a 6’ 10” middle blocker, a two time All-American, and two multi-year starters for the squad.
“Kean Men’s Volleyball poses for a team picture.” Photo courtesy of keanathletics.com
Jake Milnazik said that their decision to redshirt was sparked by the situation surrounding Zarzycki and his recovery from cancer, and that they wanted to end on a good note all together.
“We all came to Kean for a reason and we’ve been best friends throughout our time here,” Milnazik said. “We just want to end our Kean Volleyball careers on a good note.”
The program finished 22-7 last season and head coach Charlie Ginex is not overly worried about the team’s rough start.
“We’re getting better,” Ginex said. “We have an opportunity to surprise somebody. Our mentality is to get better each and every day and every week and then come playoff time, if we’re fortunate to be in the conference tournament, you know, there’s no pressure.”
When this season commences, Milnazik expects the team to pick up on what could be a great season.
“Our mindset is to get better everyday,” Milnazik said. “Us seniors have been working with the strength and conditioning coach to continue to get better. The team seems to fit very well, and I feel like the chemistry will be there when we come back next season and we can continue to get better as a team.”
Despite the struggles, the roster as currently assembled has won their last two matches with their young talent. Even though they are missing some of their key pieces, the younger players are getting opportunities to step up, which sophomore setter Zach Noll feels is important.
“Kean Cougars celebrate together.” Photo courtesy of keanathletics.com
“This season has shown us how to fight through some adversity that we have not had to face in the past few years,” Noll said. “Because of this season, a lot of younger players are getting a ton of experience that will only benefit us next year when we have a full roster.”
Coach Ginex echoed this sentiment and isn’t seeing this season as a down one. He has remained positive with his program throughout the struggles.
“They’ve been given an opportunity and I think they’re embracing it and taking advantage of it,” he said. “It’s been a real positive thing for us. When we do get to next year, all of these kids having now played a whole year of college volleyball, the experience in our gym is going to be through the roof.”
With their season currently on hold due to the Coronavirus, the Cougars will have to wait to see how it will all end. However, they are excited about next season and all players are hungry to return to the court.
“I’m just excited to play again,” said Milnazik. “I’m just looking to get back out there with my guys and playing volleyball.”
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