By: Michael Kurtz | Publish Date: April 29th, 2026
Kean standout Victoria Latino, a now-established star on the Cougars’ women’s volleyball team, sat down to discuss her volleyball career, her journey to Kean as a transfer student, and how both shaped who she is. Latino transferred from Niagara University before coming to Kean in the spring of 2025. Latino described the difference between Niagra, a much smaller religious school with a student population of around 3,000, versus Kean with a student population of around triple that, as “night and day.”
“The people are humble (at Kean),” Latino said, “I grew up in a working-class and I saw that people at Niagara were maybe high-end, so it was a little different there.”
The vibes of the team were completely different as well. Latino shared that the small size of Niagra lead to everybody being in each other’s business and a “look out for yourself” atmosphere, while her Kean team felt like a big family that genuinely care about each other. Latino cited a bad fit and distance from her family as to why she transferred.
“My motivation comes from knowing I only have two seasons left,” Latino continued, “not that I wasted two seasons at Niagara, but I didn’t have a role. My role was to cheer for my teammates (on the bench), and that’s rough, watching your team play and not being able to contribute. Everything I’m doing is for my team and for the 2 seasons I have left.”
Family means a lot to Latino. Her number, 22, which she didn’t get to wear at Niagra, is the day her beloved eight-year-old sister, Gianna, was born. Being a six-hour drive, with no traffic, away from them was rough on Latino.
“I didn’t get to wear 22 at Niagara, but I’m happy to wear it now.” Latino stated.
“Sometimes I feel like a mom with her (Gianna), but we do argue like siblings do; it’s pretty funny,” Latino said. “Yesterday, I was on the phone with my mom, and she was just being annoying, just making noises. But I love her so much, we have that sibling dynamic, and even with the age gap, we’re really close.”
Latino also shared how the transition was not easy when she first arrived in Kean last spring. Over time, however, she explained how she was able to find comfort and community.
“For my first semester at Kean, it wasn’t an easy transition, but it was nice being in my home state and attending school at home,” Latino said, “I think my first semester in the spring was a good transition to fall because I already established a connection with most of my teammates, I was already comfortable, and I knew what I was stepping into. That spring semester was much needed for me to be where I’m at now.”
Latino’s journey in volleyball has been a tumultuous one, but also one of passion, motivation, hardships, and payoff. From where she was then to where she is now, Latino’s growth embodies what happens when hard work meets unwavering belief. Her evolution reflects not just a player improving her craft, but a person redefining her limits. In every serve, spike, set, and match, she carries the proof that dedication doesn’t just build athletes; it builds a legacy.
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