Lakers Set to Begin 2022 Men's Volleyball Season Under New Head Coach Kelly Magliano
CHICAGO – The Roosevelt University men's volleyball program is set to begin a new era under first year head coach Kelly Magliano this season, starting the 2022 campaign with a road trip to Kentucky to take on against Midway University on Friday, January 21 and Georgetown College on Saturday, January 22.
The Lakers are looking to improve upon last season's performance, which included a 3-12 overall record and 1-11 record in CCAC Conference play prior to Magliano's appointment as head coach for the 2022 season.
"My goal for this season is to build a foundation for this program moving forward," said Magliano. "We're working to establish consistent standards and really cultivate a positive team culture."
Coach Magliano will be counting on returners Conrad Para, Tony Galeana, and Shawn McCarthy to help lead the Lakers this season. Para is a strong all-around player, who will provide the team with control and finesse, which will be a main part of the offense this season, while Galeana returns as the team's starting setter, providing great leadership and an understanding of the vision of the program. McCarthy comes back this season as RU's opposite within the offense and his block will be critical in the team's defense. He will be counted on to score points in that area and provide a boost offensively.
Also expected to make an impact is newcomer Chris Fermaintt. The junior libero transferred to Roosevelt from Campbellsville University, an NAIA institution in Kentucky, and has made an impact with the team right away. He has brought leadership on and off the court and should elevate the Lakers defense this season.
After the team's two opening matches in Kentucky, the Lakers will play 18 additional matches, including 13 CCAC Conference contests. RU begins conference play on Thursday, January 27 on the road against St. Xavier University, who is rated 10th in the NAIA Preseason Top 15 Poll, and plays its home opener at the Goodman Center on Thursday, February 3 versus Trinity Christian College, who is receiving votes in the preseason poll. The Lakers complete 2022 schedule can be found here.
"My expectations for our team this season are to compete in our conference and get better as a program every practice and match," added Magliano.