Hawks Eye Strong Finish in Final UVC Season Before Historic NEWMAC Move
1/7/2026
New Paltz, NY – As the 2026 men’s volleyball season tips off, SUNY New Paltz enters a season of transition and opportunity. The Hawks, led by Hall of Fame coach Radu Petrus, are preparing for their final campaign in the United Volleyball Conference before making a historic move to the NEWMAC as an associate member in 2026-27.
After finishing 14-14 in 2025, the Hawks return a talented core led by sophomore phenom Nikko Tenedorio, the 2025 AVCA National Newcomer of the Year. With an experienced roster featuring a deep sophomore and junior class, New Paltz looks to make one last memorable run through the UVC.
The Tenedorio Factor
Tenedorio’s freshman campaign was nothing short of spectacular. The Bay Shore, NY native dominated from the outside hitter position, leading the team in virtually every offensive category while earning AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors. His numbers tell the story: 328 kills (3.15 per set), 393.5 points (3.78 per set), 34 aces, and 176 digs, all while hitting .268 on a team-high 708 attempts.
The 6’1″ sophomore was a five-time UVC Rookie of the Week and earned Second-Team All-UVC honors. Against top-20 competition, Tenedorio averaged 3.22 kills per set across 16 matches, proving he can perform against elite competition.
The Supporting Cast
New Paltz’s success will depend heavily on production from the middle. Senior Krish Jain (6’6″, Hicksville, NY) and sophomore Peter Brutschin (6’5″, Greenville, NY) form one of the tallest and most efficient middle combinations in the UVC. Jain posted 165 kills with a .341 hitting percentage and added 17 blocks in 2025, while Brutschin showed flashes of dominance as a freshman.
The setter position features an intriguing two-setter system. Senior Daniel Shanley (6’0″, Smithtown, NY) and junior Matt Marusza (6’2″, Orchard Park, NY) combined for over 1,000 assists last season. Marusza, who distributed 665 assists as the primary facilitator, will likely continue in that role, with Shanley providing a versatile secondary option.
Junior outside hitter Geoff Ndoria (6’4″, Ronkonkoma, NY) provides a second legitimate outside threat opposite Tenedorio. Ndoria’s 197 kills and .254 hitting percentage give the Hawks balance on the pins. Senior opposite Matt Teplansky (6’3″, Farmingdale, NY) and junior opposite Michael Spiegel (6’5″, Webster, NY) round out the front row rotation.
The libero spot belongs to senior Luke Hofer (5’8″, Penfield, NY), while sophomore Max DeBonis (5’8″, Bay Shore, NY) provides depth at the position.
Coaching Excellence
Head coach Radu Petrus enters his 21st season at the helm, having established himself as one of Division III volleyball’s all-time greats. A two-time AVCA National Coach of the Year (2014, 2016), Petrus guided the Hawks to national championships in 2016 and 2019. Known for his tactical brilliance and ability to develop talent from the Long Island and Hudson Valley regions, Petrus has built New Paltz into a perennial power.
Assistant coach Tony Bonilla, a New Paltz Hall of Famer, is in his 15th season as an assistant after serving as head coach from 1988-2000. Bonilla’s defensive expertise and libero development have been crucial to the program’s sustained success.
The Challenge Ahead
The Hawks open their season January 19 against St. Thomas Aquinas, kicking off what promises to be a demanding schedule. Key early-season tests include a January 28 non-conference showdown with top-ranked Stevens (MAC), a national title contender, and a February 11 road match at Springfield College.
With most of the 2025 roster returning intact, the Hawks bring continuity and experience into 2026. Jain and Shanley provide senior leadership, while Tenedorio enters his sophomore season as one of the most decorated returning players in Division III.
The UVC remains brutally competitive. NYU enters as the defending conference champion and perennial national power. Vassar, Hobart, and St. John Fisher all figure to contend for conference supremacy. New Paltz’s March 25 road match at NYU will be a crucial late-season UVC rivalry game that could have major tournament seeding implications.
Looking Ahead
While 2026 marks the end of an era for New Paltz in the UVC, it also represents a launching pad for the program’s next chapter. The move to the NEWMAC as an associate member will place the Hawks in what many consider the premier men’s volleyball conference in Division III, joining elite programs like NYU, Vassar, MIT, and Springfield.
For now, though, the focus is on making this final UVC season count. With Tenedorio anchoring the offense, one of the best middle tandems in the conference, and Petrus orchestrating from the sideline, the Hawks have all the pieces to make a deep postseason run.
The 2026 season begins January 19. Championship-caliber talent? Check. Experienced coaching? Check. Motivation to end the UVC era on a high note? Absolutely.