New Men’s Volleyball Team Coming to KCC

New Men’s Volleyball Team Coming to Kingsborough Community College with $10K Boost from the NJCAA Foundation and First Point Volleyball Foundation

August 16, 2024 — Kingsborough Community College has received a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Foundation and First Point Volleyball Foundation to launch a men's volleyball program. The funds will be used to purchase essential game equipment, including balls, poles, nets, and penalty cards.

"The goal of the NJCAA Foundation is to create greater opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the two-year level by providing funding for NJCAA member colleges," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “With the help of First Point Volleyball Foundation we can achieve that with the continued growth of men’s volleyball in the association.”

Boasting 14 Division III teams, plus including esports and cheerleading, Kingsborough has the largest athletic program in CUNY. The decision to add a men’s volleyball team was based on growing interest in the sport both on campus and in NYC high schools. “In the two years I’ve been here, men’s volleyball has been the top request from students when we tabled at college events. They saw that we had a successful women’s volleyball program and asked why we didn’t have a men’s team,” noted Robert Allison, the director of athletics.

Despite growing interest nationwide, there are only 16 men's volleyball teams in the NJCAA, five of which are in Region 15. “Our priority is to provide equal athletic opportunities for both men and women. The decision to develop the program will help us maintain our status as having the most diverse athletic offerings in the CUNY Athletic Conference.”

Paul Watson, a Kingsborough alumnus with about 20 years of coaching and referee experience, will lead the team. Under Watson's guidance, Kingsborough's women’s volleyball teams have previously achieved notable accomplishments and strong regional performances, including winning two of their six CUNY Championship appearances.

The men’s team had a soft launch last season due to the strengths demonstrated while recruiting for the volleyball team. “We had two volleyball players, a handful of soccer players, and some recreational basketball players turn up. They didn’t have experience playing as a team, but, because of their athleticism, a little over a month before the season began, we decided to play,” Watson shared. “We won a playoff game and went to the regional semifinals. We played established teams, and even though we lost almost every game, most games we lost by one set. That’s like going to double overtime in basketball.”

One of the greatest challenges faced by community colleges is the misconception players and coaches have of community colleges. Better players who choose to opt for a four-year college may not understand what they’re missing out on. “At a four-year college, once they make the team, they will be there for all four years. If you’re just starting college, unless you’re a phenomenal player, you’re probably going to spend the first couple of years on the side until an upperclassman graduates and a spot opens up,” explained Watson. “At a community college, we have turnover every two years—but if you’re on the team, you’re playing for two years.”

Now recruiting to replace the team members who graduated in the spring, the remaining players have been working hard all summer. “Even though we only have practice two days a week and are seven months away from our first game, they've been here every day. They cannot wait because they know what we did last year,” he said. “The grant couldn’t have come at a better time. The funding will provide the resources our student-athletes need to excel and compete at higher levels.”

About the First Point Volleyball Foundation

First Point Volleyball Foundation exists to create more opportunities for young men to grow and develop through volleyball.  It was founded in 2016, by USA Men's National Team Head Coach and UCLA Head Coach John Speraw and Wade Garard.

About the NJCAA Foundation

Established in 2018, the mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.

About Kingsborough Community College

Founded in 1963, Kingsborough Community College is Brooklyn’s only community college and is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). Located on a 70-acre campus in Manhattan Beach, Kingsborough remains firmly committed to its mission of providing both liberal arts and career education, promoting student learning and development, as well as strengthening and serving its diverse community.  Kingsborough provides a high-quality education through associate degree programs that prepare students for transfer to senior colleges or entry into the workforce. Serving approximately 11,000 full- and part-time students annually and an additional 20,000 students in its expanding continuing education program, Kingsborough has earned recognition as a Leader College of Distinction for excellence in student success by Achieving the Dream, and has been identified as a Top Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program eight consecutive times.

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