Princeton University Athletics
Men's Volleyball Welcomes Five in Class of 2029
October 27, 2025 | Men's Volleyball
PRINCETON, N.J. – The Princeton men’s volleyball team is excited to introduce the five Tigers joining the squad as the Class of 2029.
After a successful year winning the 2025 regular season EIVA Championship, the Tigers look forward to welcoming these talented newcomers who will help raise the level of success for the program.
Continue reading to meet the Princeton men’s volleyball Class of 2029!
Jeremiah Aro
Jeremiah Aro joins the Tigers as a 6'7 pin from Orland Park, Ill. He was a 2025 IVCA First Team All-State honoree and an AVCA Second Team All-American.
Aro was named the 2025 South West Suburban Conference Volleyball Athlete of the Year. He has experience within the US National Team Development Training Program (NTDP).
Academically, Aro was a member of the Carl Sandburg High School’s Med Club and Aces (academic challenge in English and science) programs.
Choosing Princeton for the coaching staff and team culture, Aro says he is excited about “improving as much as possible on and off the court.”
Bobby Bennett
Bobby Bennett comes to Princeton from Hermosa Beach, Calif. A 6'5 pin/middle-blocker, Bennett was the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year after leading Redondo Union to the 2024 CIF State Championship as team captain..
Bennett earned First Team All-CIF, All-Area, and All-League while also being named the 2024 CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
He also led Redondo Union’s beach volleyball team to the 2024 CIF-IBVL Championship.
Off the court, Bennett was an Edison International Scholar and holds the California State Seal of Biliteracy and STEM. He served as president of the Lion’s Heart Service Group and vice president of the debate club. He also tutored chemistry, and was a member of both the Paper Hearts Club and his congressman’s youth advisory council.
Bennett also enjoys fishing, hiking, golf, basketball and music.
“I was immediately drawn to the culture and camaraderie of the team and the campus as a whole. Princeton made me feel genuinely welcomed and valued in a way I have not experienced anywhere else,” said Bennett. “What struck me most was how naturally the university fostered connections with people from all walks of life, individuals with diverse, wide-ranging passions who made every interaction both inspiring and meaningful.”
“This year, I hope to broaden my knowledge and sharpen my skills, not only as a volleyball player, but also as a person, so that I can continue developing both on and off the court.”
Sebastian Daste
Sebastian Daste is a 6’4 setter from Carmel, Calif. He comes to Princeton as a 2022 National Championship Open gold medalist, after earning silver the year prior. At Carmel High School, Daste was the league and team MVP for two years, and made the First Team all-league four times.
Off the court, Daste was a four-year member of the California Scholarship Federation member. He also enjoys surfing and listening to music. He started playing volleyball because of his sister, and during my childhood I lived back and forth between the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bali.
At Princeton, he hopes to study SPIA.
“From the first time I stepped on campus, Princeton felt like home,” said Daste. “I’m super excited to embrace new experiences, form meaningful friendships, and contribute to a team with such a strong reputation. I’m looking forward to competing alongside some of the best.”
William Judge
William Judge joins the Orange & Black from Paia, Hawaii as a 6‘5 pin / middle blocker.
He was a member of the Hawai‘i D-II State Team and named the Maui D-11 Player of the Year. At Seabury Hall, he was varsity team captain.
Off the court, Judge was class salutatorian and a Presidential Scholar nominee. He received the National Rural & Small Town Award. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and spearfishing.
Looking to study mathematics, Judge looks forward to the academics at Princeton.
“I chose Princeton because it offers a community of people who are as excited about learning as I am,” said Judge. “I’m eager to mature in mathematics alongside brilliant peers and inspiring professors. When it comes to finding the small group who love exploring mathematics, Princeton feels like the ideal place.”
Jack Phelps
Jack Phelps, hailing from Pacific Palisades, Calif., comes to Princeton as a 5‘11 pin hitter. Phelps was a three-time First Team All-League Gold honoree at Windward high school, where he was also a three-year captain. He received the distinction of an AA rating from the California Beach Volleyball Association.
Looking to study astrophysics at Princeton, Phelps was a recipient of both the Windward School Science Award and Athletic Leadership Award.
Choosing Princeton for the top notch academics, Phelps looks most forward to meeting new people during his time in the Orange & Black.
Phelps’ father, John Phelps, played for legendary Princeton Men’s Volleyball coach Glenn Nelson from 1987-1990. Mythology has credited John with being the impetus for the team's annual California trip.
