By Edgar Rivas, Jr.—

After averaging 10.11 assists over 9 sets with 10 digs and 3 aces, Gary Preston, Jr., 26, Sociology, from North East, MD was named Skyline Conference Player of the Week as well as NJCU Athlete of the Week for the week of 03/04/2012. The NJCU Men’s Volleyball team went 2-1 in that week.

“I think it is very well earned that Gary won Player of the Week Honors. He is extremely hardworking and very much a team first player,” said head coach Ray Vance. “I am very proud that he received the recognition that is very much deserved.”

Preston is in his second season with the Gothic Knights.

“The experience is really good. We have so many different characters and personalities. It’s interesting how we interact with one another and figure out one another not only on the playing level, but also on a personal level,” said Preston.

Vance said that Preston is the kind of player that “maximizes his potential. What he might lack in athleticism, he makes up for in volleyball IQ and consistency. He is an ideal player on any team that coaches are lucky to have.”

Born in North East, MD, between the border of Delaware and Pennsylvania, he was brought up in a tennis family and was introduced to the sport at the age of 4.

“My mother was an accomplished tennis player, as well as my father,” he said. His mother also participated in tournaments and events. “I [participated] in my first tournament at age 6,” he added.

At one point in his life, Preston needed a break from tennis and the transition from tennis to volleyball was easy. Vance is in his very first season as NJCU Men’s Volleyball coach and Preston believes he can make a difference to a team that was one win away from a Skyline Conference Finals appearance last season.

“I think his heart is in the right place. He wants to turn the program around and brings a lot to the table,” he said. Preston is graduating this upcoming Spring. “[I have] no plans at this point but continue working in New York,” he said.

He is a tennis teacher who helps pro and college players prepare for events and pro tour events. Vance praised Preston in terms of the student portion of a student-athlete.

“Gary is in the final stages of his degree. He will be looking into internships next year most likely. He has greatly improved his academics this past semester,” he said. Preston is Sociology major and has future plans that involve that major.

“I would really like to do Clinical Psychology, involving social work,” he said.