By Ike Ejikeme–

The 2014 NJCU men’s volleyball team had one of their most unpredictable seasons in recent memory, which ended in a loss in the semifinals in the Skyline Tournament.

The season started off a little rough as the men’s and women’s volleyball head coach Ray Vance retired. The team had also lost a few key players from last year who transferred or graduated, so it took some time to rebuild and prepare for this season.

To add to the frustration, 5 of the team’s first 13 matches were cancelled, and 8 of those matches ended in a 0-3 loss. With such a tough start to an already difficult season, the team did not pick up its first win until almost half way through the season against New York University’s Polytechnic School of Engineering.

Though the team finished with an overall record of 12-18, they were able to win more than half of their matches against conference foes (8-6). The arrival of freshmen Sheldon Coure, business major from Torrance, CA, helped the team make the Skyline Conference Tournament for the third straight year.

Coure was named Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week three times, Skyline Conference Honor Roll twice, and National Player of the Week once. Coure currently ranks fourth in the conference in hitting percentage, and ninth in both points and kills per set. Despite his quick success in his first year at NJCU, Coure has displayed a humble attitude. Though he was honored to reach such milestones, Sheldon thanks his coaches and teammates for all their help, because according to him, it wouldn’t have been possible without them.

“Receiving these accolades early in my volleyball career pushed me to strive for more in myself and as a teammate,” said Coure.

One point of emphasis in the men’s volleyball locker room is effort. Most of the players agree that though their overall record did not translate to full success, the effort was always there.

“The more effort we put into practicing along with creating a solid teammate to teammate connection the better we will be as a unit,” said Coure about him team.

Having reached the semifinals in the Skyline Tournament for the last two seasons, the NJCU men’s volleyball team was once again bounced by Kean University for a second straight season.

Now with high expectations and the confidence to compete with any team in the conference, Coure, along with the rest of the men’s volleyball team will be ready to step up and win the Skyline Tournament next year.