March 13, 2023 by IH
Background:
Nathan is a 6’6″ senior outside hitter from Galloway, Ohio. He went to St. Charles Prep high school and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Stevens is currently the #2 team in the country for NCAA men’s volleyball in the latest IH ranking on 3/12/23.
Accolades:
Career Stats:
Q&A
How is the Ducks season progressing compared to expectations?
“I think we all recognize that it takes a lot to be a top level team. Last year left a poor taste in our mouths, we just hadn’t worked as hard to be physically dominant like Springfield had; what allowed us to win other matches early on didn’t work against Springfield in last years final 4. We made it our goal to not be out worked again and I think that’s showing this year. Our expectations were always to compete for a MAC title and then a national championship, but we had to reframe our minds around what we were doing to prepare and I think that’s why we’ve had the season we’ve had so far. Looking at our schedule, we’ve played some of the toughest opponents so far this season and to only have 1 D3 loss is an incredible accomplishment on its own and not something I think we would have expected. We continue to progress and get better because our practice gym is incredibly tough; our depth I would argue is unmatched at every position and it shows with our results.”
The MAC conference playoffs will be here soon. Which team do you think is the team to beat in the conference tournament and why?
“Messiah is definitely the team to beat in MAC play, Mason Nissley is an incredible athlete and Matt Knab runs a great offense, adding in new depth at opposite while returning their middles makes them a balanced team and no longer just “The Mason Show”. Messiah is going to be a tough opponent and I think we’re all very excited to A) play them, but also B) have such a talented capable team within our conference to compete with.”
Which player have you been most impressed by (outside of your own teammates) this season and why?
“I think I’ve most been impressed by the NCC setter Tyler Donovan. I am friends with Jared Moser, so I try to watch their games whenever I can. Tyler has such quick hands and being so tall as a setter, some tend to overcompensate by jumping less, but he continues to contact the ball at his peak jump and just push balls on lines through his hitters windows, 41 assists in a sweep is an impressive line and one that’s well deserved; he sees the game and matchups for his hitters and puts them in great positions to score, in system, out of system, and in scramble plays.”
Give us your picks for the NCAA D3 final 4!
“My final 4 would be Carthage, Stevens, Vassar, and Juniata.”
What has been your favorite part of the Brewers season thus far?
“I think my favorite part of the season so far would be sweeping Vassar at home. They’re a great team and taking that match without dropping a set proved to all of us that we are a legit contender. It was great to see us compete with such a high caliber team and come out on top.”
