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Shahriyar Bari

New Hyde Park boys varsity volleyball strategizes during the Nassau County Finals.

New Hyde Park Memorial’s varsity boys volleyball team made school history this fall by reaching the Nassau County finals for the first time, capping a 15–4 regular season and a postseason run that energized the student body and elevated the program’s profile.

The Gladiators opened the playoffs with a win over Lynbrook moving on to a quarterfinal win over Sewanhaka, advancing to face Lawrence in what became one of their most intense matches of the year. New Hyde Park outlasted Lawrence in a five-set semifinal, winning 23-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 19-17 to secure its first-ever spot in the county championship. The team ultimately fell to Roslyn in the finals, but players, students and coaches agreed that the season marked a turning point for the program.

“This group has been together for two years, since we had no seniors last season, and they show incredible passion, dedication, and unique talent in every position,” Coach Elizabeth Leydon said. “They have trained tirelessly and committed themselves fully throughout the season to get as far as they did. I am so proud of the young men they have grown into over these past two years and of the bond they’ve strengthened through practices, intense matches, and, most importantly, their shared determination to win. These boys are the definition of resilient. This team is the definition of a family.”

“It was just so surreal,” junior Ryin Lok said. “We’ve all dreamt about making it to states ever since Junior High. Even though we made it short, as a team I feel like we’ve accomplished so much throughout our time together. Being the first Men’s Volleyball Program in NHP history to be County Finalists will be one of the greatest memories that we will carry on until we’re old.”

The team’s success drew growing support from classmates, many of whom started attending games late in the season as the playoff push gained momentum. Many students who had not planned to become regular spectators but were quickly drawn in.

“My friends and I went to watch the Boys Varsity Senior Game for no reason and ended up having more fun than we’d ever expected,” senior Hima Binu said. “Not only did the team play incredibly, but seeing their bond and the way they supported each other was so special. The special chants, singing, and energy of the crowd made it feel like I was sitting in a miniature World Cup stadium. Even though we caught on a little later into their season, it was so much fun going to watch our team play in their last three games.”

This year’s roster included seniors Kyriakos Papaseraphim, Milan Patel, Clayton Wong, Colin Mizuguchi, Jorden Jacob, Jason Kang, Jackson Kang, Ryan Yang, Sherwin Fernandes, Timmy Tan and Prabhjeet Chalal. Juniors Ryin Lok, Keith Luu, Owen Ng, Josh Agliam and team manager Joshua Jose will return next season, giving the program a strong foundation moving forward.

Though the season ended one match short of a county title, players and coaches said the team’s playoff run set a new standard for boys volleyball at New Hyde Park Memorial. After a record-setting appearance in the county finals, the program now enters the offseason with heightened recognition, greater student interest, and expectations that history may be rewritten again soon.

“Ever since the 9th grade, I knew there was something special within the team. The sheer dedication, the relentless failure, and the resilience to become a stronger team each season powered this final run,” Captain Milan Patel said. “This final season meant everything to us, and we were ready to give it our all one last time. But despite the unfortunate outcome at the end, I often encourage my team to pick there head up, stop for a moment, look back, and realize we’ve become the best Volleyball team in New Hyde Park history, something we can all agree we are proud to be apart of.”