Men's Volleyball Season Preview - Hidden Identity
December 17, 2019 | Men's Volleyball
The 2019-20 squad is talented, but un-tested. The Anteaters enter the season ranked No. 8 nationally and head coach David Kniffin is curious to see how close this team can get to realizing its potential.
"I feel like our identity is similar to 2006. There is a lot of curiosity and drive. We are unproven. And we have potential," Kniffin said. "The multiplier for us will be how well we play together. These guys genuinely care about each other. It's a unique team in terms of culture and it's special to be part of."
Fresh faces will step in to leading roles this season, while All-Americans Scott Stadick and Joel Schneidmiller will anchor the team.
"We return two starters and proven great players in Scott Stadick and Joel Schneidmiller. Scott has been a national leader in blocks every year and Joel has been a force since he has stepped on the court."
Stadick, a senior All-American, is one of the most dominant middle blockers in the country. He averaged 1.21 blocks and 1.64 kills per set a year ago. The 7-0 senior enters the year ranked third in career solo blocks with 75. He owns three of the top four spots in solo blocks in a season.
Last season, Schneidmiller received his second consecutive All-American selection after ranking fifth nationally in service aces with a 0.54 average. He was second in the Big West in points (4.49), third in kills (3.65) as well as sixth in hitting percentage (.323). The junior outside hitter put away a career-high 28 kills versus Loyola which were the most in the league and fifth most in the country last season.
"The guys in positions of leadership have been part of some very talented UC Irvine teams that have made strong runs through the season. They have experienced big matches and big wins. From these experiences, they have a good understanding of the competitive outcomes they desire. But they also know how they want to live their day-to-day in the pursuit. It's nice to have that kind of clarity from young men."
Returning to the court for an elevated role will be JB Kam, Alexandre Nsakanda and Jonny Bowles. Kam returns after redshirting last season, while Nsakanda was named to the Big West All-Freshman team. The sophomore opposite was named league Freshman of the Week twice last season. Bowles saw action in 83 sets last season, mainly coming in to serve where he fired nine aces.
Joining Stadick in the middle are junior Sean Dennis, Mac Cavanah and Aiden Wolf-Neilson.
"Sean has been behind the scenes for the last couple of years. He came in with huge athletic potential in terms of frame and jumping ability. He has been playing against great competition in practice and he is on schedule to emerge this year."
Sophomore Brian Garcia and redshirt freshman Patrick Vorenkamp will hold down the setting duties. Garcia played in 56 sets in 2019, averaging 2.05 set assists. He had a career-high 48 set assists against BYU.
Sophomore AJ Faille returns in 2020. The libero saw action in 17 sets last season.
Making their UCI debuts are libero Davis Lau and outside hitters Akhil Tangutur, Cole Gillis, Garo Barsemian and Doug Dahm.
"This is one of the most charismatic and excited freshmen classes we have had. They are loving their experience here at UCI and get along great. They move as a unit and are a special crew."
UCI and Princeton will kick off the men's volleyball season on Dec. 29 at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters will take on 12 of the 15 teams ranked in the preseason poll, including nine at home this season.
"January has always been a month that we schedule as tough as possible. Typically that means going on the road, but this year we will play the predicted champions of three conferences at home, all in January."
The Bren Events Center will also host the Big West Championship April 23-25.
"I feel like our identity is similar to 2006. There is a lot of curiosity and drive. We are unproven. And we have potential," Kniffin said. "The multiplier for us will be how well we play together. These guys genuinely care about each other. It's a unique team in terms of culture and it's special to be part of."
Fresh faces will step in to leading roles this season, while All-Americans Scott Stadick and Joel Schneidmiller will anchor the team.
"We return two starters and proven great players in Scott Stadick and Joel Schneidmiller. Scott has been a national leader in blocks every year and Joel has been a force since he has stepped on the court."
Stadick, a senior All-American, is one of the most dominant middle blockers in the country. He averaged 1.21 blocks and 1.64 kills per set a year ago. The 7-0 senior enters the year ranked third in career solo blocks with 75. He owns three of the top four spots in solo blocks in a season.
Last season, Schneidmiller received his second consecutive All-American selection after ranking fifth nationally in service aces with a 0.54 average. He was second in the Big West in points (4.49), third in kills (3.65) as well as sixth in hitting percentage (.323). The junior outside hitter put away a career-high 28 kills versus Loyola which were the most in the league and fifth most in the country last season.
"The guys in positions of leadership have been part of some very talented UC Irvine teams that have made strong runs through the season. They have experienced big matches and big wins. From these experiences, they have a good understanding of the competitive outcomes they desire. But they also know how they want to live their day-to-day in the pursuit. It's nice to have that kind of clarity from young men."
Returning to the court for an elevated role will be JB Kam, Alexandre Nsakanda and Jonny Bowles. Kam returns after redshirting last season, while Nsakanda was named to the Big West All-Freshman team. The sophomore opposite was named league Freshman of the Week twice last season. Bowles saw action in 83 sets last season, mainly coming in to serve where he fired nine aces.
Joining Stadick in the middle are junior Sean Dennis, Mac Cavanah and Aiden Wolf-Neilson.
"Sean has been behind the scenes for the last couple of years. He came in with huge athletic potential in terms of frame and jumping ability. He has been playing against great competition in practice and he is on schedule to emerge this year."
Sophomore Brian Garcia and redshirt freshman Patrick Vorenkamp will hold down the setting duties. Garcia played in 56 sets in 2019, averaging 2.05 set assists. He had a career-high 48 set assists against BYU.
Sophomore AJ Faille returns in 2020. The libero saw action in 17 sets last season.
Making their UCI debuts are libero Davis Lau and outside hitters Akhil Tangutur, Cole Gillis, Garo Barsemian and Doug Dahm.
"This is one of the most charismatic and excited freshmen classes we have had. They are loving their experience here at UCI and get along great. They move as a unit and are a special crew."
UCI and Princeton will kick off the men's volleyball season on Dec. 29 at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters will take on 12 of the 15 teams ranked in the preseason poll, including nine at home this season.
"January has always been a month that we schedule as tough as possible. Typically that means going on the road, but this year we will play the predicted champions of three conferences at home, all in January."
The Bren Events Center will also host the Big West Championship April 23-25.
Players Mentioned
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