1/13/2026
As the 2026 collegiate volleyball season approaches, the spotlight in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) is shining brightly on Hamburg, New York. The Hilbert College Hawks are entering the new campaign with a perfect blend of established star power and a high-potential freshman class. Ranked fourth in the AMCC Pre-Season Coaches Poll, the Hawks are positioned to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Northeast this spring.
The Foundation: Veteran Leadership and Power
Head Coach Cal Crosby enters his sixth season with a deep roster featuring six upperclassmen who understand the rigors of conference play. The offense will be anchored by Nikolas D’Andrea, a 6-5 senior opposite who has already etched his name into the Hilbert record books. D’Andrea holds the program record for career service aces per set at 0.39 and is coming off a massive 2025 season where he recorded 203.5 points and 149 kills.
Joining him in the leadership circle is junior libero Jacob Sehn, a defensive specialist who tallied 184 digs last year. Both D’Andrea and Sehn have been named AMCC Players to Watch, signaling that opponents will need to account for their presence on every rotation.
The Hawks also boast significant size at the net with 6-9 sophomore Justin Veal. After a dominant freshman year where he led the team with 61 blocks and added 110 kills, Veal is expected to be a primary defensive anchor and an intimidating offensive threat. Senior Mehkai Francis and junior Michael Pozzuto provide additional veteran stability on the outside, while senior Garyson Gaud continues to be a standout both on the court and in the classroom, maintaining high academic honors while contributing as a versatile defensive specialist.
The Future: Introducing the Class of 2026
Coach Crosby has successfully recruited five dynamic freshmen who bring versatility and local pedigree to the program. This group is expected to provide immediate depth and energy.
- Joshua Shaw (Outside Hitter, Buffalo, NY): A three-sport standout from Hutch Tech, Shaw was a varsity athlete in volleyball, baseball, and swimming. He is currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
- Brinton McClain (Setter, Buffalo, NY): Another Hutch Tech alumnus, McClain brings four years of high-level club experience from the Buffalo Volleyball Academy and Vandal Volleyball programs.
- Austin Thurlow (Middle Blocker, Cheektowaga, NY): A decorated four-year varsity starter from Maryvale, Thurlow also competed in track and field, bringing elite athleticism to the middle blocker position.
- Sam Rastelli (Libero, Grand Island, NY): A defensive specialist known for his quickness and back-row consistency during his tenure at Grand Island.
- Jeremiah Heller (Setter, Northborough, MA): The lone out-of-state recruit in the class, Heller joins from Algonquin Regional to bolster the Hawks’ setting depth.
Building on Greatness: Honoring the Graduating Class
The 2026 squad looks to build upon the culture established by a legendary group of departing seniors. The program recently celebrated the careers of Brad Converse, who finished as the program’s all-time leader in service aces (99) and second in kills (918), and Tyler Hassell, who set the school record with a .362 hitting percentage. George Muriel also leaves a void after a stellar career as an all-conference setter. The current roster is eager to carry that torch forward and return the program to the AMCC postseason.
The Road Ahead
The Hawks open their season at home with a high-energy tri-match on January 17, hosting Houghton University and SUNY Poly. This non-conference slate will serve as the perfect preparation for a rigorous AMCC schedule that begins in February.
With Coach Crosby’s recent success leading the Hilbert women’s program to the AMCC Final Four, the momentum within the volleyball department is at an all-time high. Between the record-setting service of D’Andrea, the massive blocking presence of Veal, and the influx of local talent, the Hilbert Hawks are ready to soar in 2026.