Atlantic Cape Men’s Volleyball to Count on a Youthful, Talented and Enthusiastic Roster in 2024

MAYS LANDING — The Atlantic Cape Community College Buccaneers Men’s Volleyball team enters the 2024 season with an exciting roster dominated by enthusiastic, high-energy freshmen who saw success as seniors at the local Cape Atlantic League (CAL) high school level last year and a duo of sophomores prepared to lead by example.

Now in just its second year of existence, the Buccaneers Men’s Volleyball program, led by Head Coach Karla Maisto, is confident that they can make a difference in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 19.

“I couldn’t be happier with how our transition is going. We had many new recruits coming into this spring and these aren’t just any players. Nearly all played varsity high school volleyball and some were even first-team all stars,” Maisto said. “I think the drastic turnaround this year will solidify Atlantic Cape as real contenders in Region 19.”

The Buccaneers are returning one student athlete from last year’s roster, sophomore Narshid Cruz, a middle hitter who along with fellow sophomore Emmanuel Waugh, will be counted on to provide leadership for this young team. Waugh played Division III last year at Neumann University in Aston, Pa.

Freshman Aiden Nicholls, who played with Waugh on a very successful 2022 Hammonton High School team, will look to benefit from that familiarity on the court. Freshman Collin O’Brien comes from Passaic County and is currently part of the Stockton University Transfer Pathways Program at Atlantic Cape. Ambinintsoa (Yohan) Rasoloharison is a freshman who transferred from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pa., while Joshua Baez and Nasir Haines are also making their Atlantic Cape debut this year.

The Buccaneers are also welcoming two freshmen who were CAL first-team all stars in 2023 at their respective high schools. Cristofer Evangelista, Pleasantville High School and Alec Barnes, Egg Harbor Township High School. Maisto, in particular, has high hopes and expectations for Barnes, whom she believes has the potential to play at a Division I or II school right now.

With exciting young talent on this year’s roster, Maisto has good reason to be optimistic.

“My two main goals for this year is not only to make the Region 19 playoffs, but to at least make it to the final, and continue to grow Atlantic Cape’s name throughout South Jersey to ensure a steady flow of future student athletes,” Maisto said.

Growth within the sport nationally, and particularly in the Southern New Jersey region, is evident as rising collegians are seeking to take their talents to a higher level against tougher competition.

“There is a huge influx of seniors who want to play at the next level and fortunately for us we have had many athletes flocking to our program,” Maisto admitted. “I feel that I can now convince these young men, who might not have gone to college or do not want to attend a four-year school, to enroll in Atlantic Cape to get some collegiate volleyball experience.”

Maisto, 39, has been coaching since 2006. Along with the Buccaneers Men’s program, she has been coaching the Women’s program since 2019. Maisto has also been the head coach at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) boy’s program since 2020. Maisto played collegiately for Rutgers University and currently still plays competitively in USA Volleyball and local tournaments, as well as in recreational leagues three to four times a week.

“Both (assistant coach) Josh (Concepcion) and I have never been more excited for an upcoming season,” Maisto said. “These boys are eager to learn and compete. They have been in the gym whenever possible since this past summer. The future looks bright for Men’s Volleyball at Atlantic Cape!”

The Buccaneers opened the 2024 season by splitting its first four matches in New York State against Nassau Community College and Monroe College. The Buccaneers open their home schedule on Wednesday, February 14, 6 p.m. against Middlesex County College in Jonathan Pitney Gymnasium on the Mays Landing campus.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/mensvolleyball for upcoming games, roster and coach’s information.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with several four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without having to leave home.