1/12/2026

The Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders men’s volleyball team approaches the 2026 season with strong momentum and a foundation of recent accomplishments in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and beyond. Head Coach Aidan Albrecht leads the program into his fourth season, having compiled a 55-30 overall record across his first three campaigns (2023-2025). Under his guidance, the Scarlet Raiders secured three consecutive NJAC Championships and back-to-back ECAC Division III titles in 2024 and 2025, while developing multiple All-Americans and conference award winners.

2025 Season Recap

The Scarlet Raiders posted an impressive 24-10 overall record in 2025, demonstrating balanced offense and defense throughout the year. The team recorded 1493 kills (12.24 per set), 1351 assists (11.07 per set), 223 service aces (1.83 per set), 1123 digs (9.20 per set), and 218.5 total blocks (1.79 per set). These efforts culminated in NJAC and ECAC championships, highlighting the program’s competitive strength and depth.

Key individual statistical leaders in 2025 included:

• Kills: Aleks Kolodziej (294 kills, 2.88 per set), Michael Suarez (267 kills, 2.87 per set), and Massimo Roco (261 kills, 2.19 per set).
• Assists: Derek Au (1100 assists, 9.82 per set).
• Service Aces: Massimo Roco (44 aces, 0.37 per set), Derek Au (38 aces, 0.34 per set), and Aleks Kolodziej (34 aces, 0.33 per set).
• Digs: Fernando Paredes (262 digs, 2.65 per set) and Derek Au (192 digs, 1.71 per set).
• Blocks: Massimo Roco (106.0 total blocks, 0.89 per set) and Vincent Lopez (65.0 total blocks, 0.66 per set).

Standout performances earned Derek Au NJAC Player of the Year honors and Massimo Roco NJAC Rookie of the Year recognition.

Graduating Players and Departures

The program says goodbye to several key contributors who provided leadership and production in 2025. Notable departures include graduate setter Derek Au, whose 1100 assists and all-around play earned him NJAC Player of the Year; senior libero Fernando Paredes, the digs leader with 262; and senior outside hitter Aidan Apito. All three were 2025 Captains. Additional players moving on include Amir Johnson and others whose efforts supported the championship runs. These athletes leave a lasting positive impact on the team’s culture and success.

Returning Players

A talented and experienced core returns for 2026, offering continuity in attacking, blocking, and setting. Sophomores Massimo Roco (middle blocker, kills and blocks leader), Michael Suarez (outside hitter, 267 kills), and Alex Solodky (outside hitter) bring proven offensive firepower. Juniors Vincent Lopez (middle blocker, 65.0 blocks), Aleks Kolodziej (opposite, 294 kills), Evan Jazmin (defensive specialist/libero), and Kaden Komine (setter) add depth and versatility. Seniors Sean Spring (outside hitter), Yann Gomes (libero), and Juan Silva (middle blocker) provide veteran leadership. This group forms a solid nucleus with significant starting experience from the 2025 championship squad.

Graduate student from D1 Sacred Heart Colin Stevens (setter) adds immediate experience and maturity and fills the void of Au’s departure. His 4 seasons playing for the Pioneers will bring the kind of experience that will allow him to fit right in near the top of the D3 competitive landscape. Colin’s Dad Matt, who passed away in 2025, was an eight year NFL veteran and won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots.

New Additions

The 2026 roster features an exciting influx of newcomers who enhance size, athleticism, and competition across positions. Freshmen include John Femiano (libero), Graylon Ody (outside hitter), Logan Fernandes (outside hitter), Joseph Novellino (setter), Harry Tayki (outside hitter), Duncan Sturt (setter), Zach Pakis (middle blocker/opposite), Ali Chaudary (libero), and Adrian Marke (middle blocker). Sophomore Alex Boulin (outside hitter) joins the lineup. These athletes arrive from competitive high school programs and bring fresh energy to complement the returning veterans.

Incoming Freshmen Class of 2026

The Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders men’s volleyball program welcomes a talented and accomplished group of nine freshmen for the 2026 season. These student-athletes arrive from strong high school programs across New Jersey, Georgia, and Texas, bringing impressive achievements, club experience, and physical tools that add depth and potential to the roster. Several hail from state championship-caliber teams, while others earned individual recognitions and competed with elite clubs. This class enhances the team’s attacking, setting, blocking, and defensive capabilities.

John Femiano (Libero, 5’7″, Old Bridge, NJ / Old Bridge High School)

John adds speed and defensive prowess from a dominant Old Bridge program. He competed with Warren Sixpack Volleyball Club and contributed to a standout high school career highlighted by strong passing and leadership in the backcourt.

Graylon Ody (Outside Hitter, 6’1″, Atlanta, GA / Walton High School)

Graylon brings dynamic attacking from Georgia’s competitive scene. He earned a spot on the 2024 AVCA Boys High School All-America Watch List and developed his skills with the renowned A5 Volleyball Club, known for producing high-level talent.

Logan Fernandes (Outside Hitter, 6’0″, Old Bridge, NJ / Old Bridge High School)

Logan provides versatile pinning options from the championship-winning Old Bridge squad. His high school experience featured contributions to a highly successful team that excelled in conference and statewide competition.

Joseph Novellino (Setter, 6’4″, Mount Laurel, NJ / Lenape High School)

Joseph offers height and vision at the setter position. He played for South Jersey Volleyball Club and demonstrated strong distribution skills at Lenape, helping drive offensive success in a competitive New Jersey program.

Harry Tayki (Outside Hitter, 6’0″, South Brunswick, NJ / South Brunswick High School)

Harry delivers athleticism and attacking skill from South Brunswick. He honed his abilities with Core Volleyball Club, preparing him for collegiate-level competition with consistent offensive output.

Duncan Sturt (Setter, 6’2″, Livingston, NJ / Livingston High School)

Duncan brings playmaking experience from a strong Livingston program that reached the NJSIAA Group 4 state finals. As a senior setter, he recorded over 550 assists and showcased effective serving and leadership in guiding his team to deep postseason runs.

Zach Pakis (Middle Blocker/Opposite, 6’2″, Fort Worth, TX / Fort Worth Country Day School)

Zach adds power and versatility in the front row from Texas. He earned All-SPC Conference honors and competed with top club programs, contributing to successful high school seasons with strong blocking and hitting.

Ali Chaudary (Libero, 5’5″, Old Bridge, NJ / Old Bridge High School)

Ali bolsters the defensive specialist role from the powerhouse Old Bridge team. His quickness and passing skills supported a championship effort at the high school level.

Adrian Marke (Middle Blocker, 6’4″, Old Bridge, NJ / Old Bridge High School)

Adrian provides significant height and blocking presence. As part of Old Bridge’s dominant run, he contributed to the team’s success in the front court with athleticism and reach.

Notably, four freshmen, John Femiano, Logan Fernandes, Ali Chaudary, and Adrian Marke, come from Old Bridge High School, which enjoyed an exceptional 2025 season. The Knights repeated as NJSIAA Group 4 state champions, earned recognition as Boys Volleyball Team of the Year, and delivered dominant performances en route to the title.

This incoming class blends proven winners, individually recognized standouts, and athletes from elite club backgrounds. Under Head Coach Aidan Albrecht, these freshmen integrate into a program fresh off consecutive championships, offering exciting potential for immediate contributions and long-term growth. Scarlet Raiders fans can look forward to seeing their skills elevate the team in Division III competition.

2026 Outlook

With Head Coach Aidan Albrecht’s established track record of building championship teams, a deep returning core featuring standout performers like Massimo Roco, Aleks Kolodziej, and Michael Suarez, and a promising group of newcomers adding height and skill, the Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders stand ready for another impactful season. The blend of experience, youth, and proven success positions the program as a contender in the NJAC and on the national Division III stage. Supporters can look forward to watching this dynamic squad pursue continued excellence and new achievements in 2026.