Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Men's Volleyball Welcomes Talented Trio Into The Class Of 2019
August 14, 2015 | Men's Volleyball
Replacing one of the greatest and most-accomplished classes in program history is an almost impossible task, and Princeton head volleyball coach Sam Shweisky isn't expecting his incoming trio from the Class of 2019 to fill those shoes immediately. He is excited to see what the highly-accomplished trio of Jack Burgi, Matthew Nicholas and Corry Short will bring to Princeton when they join the team this fall.
"I'm excited to bring Jack Burgi, Matthew Nicholas and Corry Short into our program and see how they impact both our present and future," Shweisky said. "They are an experienced, talented group, but they are also excited to get here and build on what the likes of Cody Kessel, Will Siroky and Tony Ensbury helped create. There is a strong tradition of volleyball at Princeton that dates back to the 1970s, and I believe these three will enhance it."
You can read the bios of the three incoming freshmen below.
Jack Burgi
OH/OPP • 6-5 • Laguna Beach, Calif.
Laguna Beach
"I love the campus and wanted to go to a small school, and it is in the perfect location to visit the city without being stuck in the city. Also I immediately felt the sense of community when I was on campus and wanted to be a part of it."
Before Princeton — won a regional championship and three Orange Coast league titles … finished as the CIF Division II and the 2014 SCVA Boys' Classic runner-up … earned all-league honors … hit .800 in the CIF semifinal … earned two scholar-athlete honors.
Personal — born Dec. 8, 1996 … son of Richard Burgi and Lori Kahn … has a younger sibling, Sam … enjoys the beach, surfing, and camping … considering studying engineering.
Shweisky on Burgi: Jack Burgi played opposite for west coast powerhouse Club 949, but has the tools to play on the left side as well. At 6-5 and with a Schwagler-esque vertical and cannon for an arm, Jack will be well-poised to compete for a starting spot on either pin as well. We are excited for how he will impact the level of play in our gym from the moment he gets to campus.
Matthew Nicholas
OPP • 6-6 • San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
St. Margaret's
"Princeton offered the special close-knit community I was looking for due to its relatively small size. Princeton also offered excellent academics, while still competing at the highest level in volleyball."
Before Princeton — earned silver in the Open Division at the 2014 Junior Nationals with the Balboa Bay club … helped St. Margaret's to CIF division runner-up finish and 2015 regional semifinal … won three Academy League titles … three-time All-CIF honoree … two-time Orange County Register Player of the Week selection … two-time team captain … earned the Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year award … member of the Headmasters Honor Roll … four-year basketball letterwinner and two-time first-team all-league honoree.
Personal — born Sept. 11, 1996 … son of Stacey and Henry Nicholas … has an older brother Brett and a younger sister Shelby … enjoys surfing, skiing and basketball … considering studying electrical engineering.
Shweisky on Nicholas: Matt Nicholas is a skilled opposite attacker from the hotbed of volleyball, Southern California. His Balboa Bay club team is one of the most decorated teams in the country. At 6-6 Matt has the physical tools to step in and be an impact player for us right away. His most natural position will be opposite, however, Matt does have experience passing, so we plan to try him on the left side as well. Matt is sure to cause opponents difficulty regardless of which pin he is attacking and blocking.
Corry Short
OH • 6-4 • Lighthouse Point, Fla.
Cardinal Gibbons
"I believe Princeton is the best combination of strong academics and Division I athletics."
Before Princeton — two-time Sun Sentinel Player of the Year honoree; also named the Miami Herald Player of the Year in 2015 … led Cardinal Gibbons to three district titles … member of the USA Boys Youth National Training Team (2014-15) … attended USA HP Holiday Camp (2012-15) … three-time team MVP … served as captain multiple years for both high school and club … earned AP Calculus and AP Economics Awards.
Personal — born Jan. 25, 1997 … son of Mike and Randi Short … has an older brother Michael and an older sister Randi; sister played volleyball at Holy Cross … enjoys sports, music and playing the piano … considering studying economics.
Shweisky on Short: Corry Short brings with him a Stapleton-level of communication and fire as well as exceptional ball control. Corry has been once again named to the USA Youth National Training team. He will compete at both the OH and LIB position next fall. Corry knows the game and will acclimate to the college level very quickly.