Princeton University Athletics
Men's Volleyball Wraps Fall Season, Eyes Early Start To 2015 Schedule
December 22, 2014 | Men's Volleyball
VIDEO RECAPS: Glenn Nelson Classic l Dillon Fall Classic
2014 HIGHLIGHTS: All-Access: Princeton over PSU l Princeton returns to EIVA finals
Coming off a thrilling 2014 season that saw Princeton knock off Penn State in Dillon Gym and return to the EIVA finals for the first time since 2010, the men's volleyball team accomplished plenty during the fall. Following the holidays, the Tigers won't wait long to see where they stand early in 2015.
Princeton competed in two fall tournaments, the sixth-annual Glenn Nelson Classic (named for the long-time Princeton men's and women's coach) and the Dillon Fall Classic. The tournaments allowed head coach Sam Shweisky the opportunity to mix both his veterans, including three returning All-EIVA players, and a talented set of incoming recruits.
Nelson, who guided Princeton to its lone EIVA championship in 1998, was in Dillon to watch the Glenn Nelson Classic.
“I am so happy that Glenn was able to make to the GNC this year," Shweisky said. "He built this program and it is so cool for the younger guys to get to know him. Glenn is the reason Princeton Volleyball is where it is today and to be able for us all to stay connected to the amazing history of the program is something that is very special.
“We accomplished a lot this fall with our first every international trip, hosting two home tournaments, and some great community service projects," Shweisky added. "We are all very excited to get back in January and start preparing for our NCAA schedule.”
Usually, that schedule begins at the end of the month, but Princeton was invited to compete in the 2015 UCSB ASIC Invitational, held Jan. 9-10 in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Tigers will measure themselves early against three strong California programs, including two ranked in the AVCA preseason poll (No. 4 UC Santa Barbara and No. 12 Long Beach State).
While Princeton did not crack the Top 15, it was the lone EIVA program other than No. 3 Penn State to be ranked on multiple ballots. The Tigers were second to only Ball State in the 'others receiving votes' category.
Shweisky will also return as an assistant coach for the 2015 USA Junior National team, which was announced during the fall.
“I am honored to be named to the USA staff again this coming summer," he said. "Working with such high quality coaches and athletes while representing the USA is such an amazing privilege. I could not be more grateful.”