Roche, Coniglione, and Netherton to Captain 2014 Endicott Men's Volleyball

Endicott Men's Volleyball All-Time Captains

BEVERLY, Mass. – With just a few days remaining until their opening weekend of competition at the Live Free or Die Invitational, the Endicott men's volleyball team look to a trio of senior captains to lead the Gulls towards another appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Selected by their teammates for the second straight season, middle Mike Coniglione (Glenville, N.Y.), middle Travis Netherton (Waukegan, Ill.), and setter Carter Roche (Clifton Park, N.Y.) will be the captains in 2014.

This year's captains are a collective embodiment of what it means to be a successful student-athlete at Endicott with leadership qualities, excellence in the classroom, dominance on the court, and appreciation for the Endicott Community. 

"These three young men were chosen by their teammates for varying reasons and I'm extremely confident in knowing they will put forth their best effort to make this year a special season," praised second-year head coach George Chapell.  "With three seniors leading the way, the 2014 team is in extremely capable hands that will help them to thrive. I'm extremely proud of the people they have developed into both on and off the court and I know they each have great things ahead of them."

Carter Roche, Setter

Roche has played in 89 career matches and has positioned himself as the program's fourth all-time leader in assists with 1,229, nearly five assists per set played.  Off the court Roche has excelled as a Sport Management major, supplementing his strong GPA with internships with Greg Koubek Basketball Camp, the Tri-City Valley Cats, and Wentworth men's basketball. 

Coach Chapell says, "Carter is an extremely disciplined player that has a great volleyball I.Q. His court sense and feel for the game help captain the ship and provide a calming presence for his teammates while also being able to hold them accountable. His vision allows us to be a complete team that is extremely balanced and not built around one player."

Mike Coniglione, Middle Blocker

Coniglione is as fundamental as they come and took a major leap forward in his athletic progress last season with 190 kills (1.71 per set), a .305 hitting percentage, and 106 total blocks. He was awarded by the NECC for his performance with a First Team All-Conference nod. His stellar Sport Management GPA has placed him on the Academic All-Conference list in each of the past two seasons and he has also taken advantage of internships opportunities with the New York Nemesis and the Tri-City Valley Cats.

Coach Chapell says, "Conigs is a very cerebral player that can always be counted on during play and off the court as well.  He has always proven to be a great role model for the underclassmen and looks to repeat his First Team All-NECC and Academic All-NECC performances from 2013 this season." 

Travis Netherton, Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter

Netherton, despite being limited by injuries the last two seasons, has situated himself as one the team's most impactful players. Always a threat on the attack with a career average of 2.07 kills per set and defensively with 200 career blocks, Netherton has twice been named All-Conference including last season's First Team award. In the classroom as a Sport Management major, Netherton has excelled and complemented his plus grades with internships at the Waukegan Parks Department, the Gamplan Sports Agency in Chicago, and in sports production at WBZ-TV Boston.

Coach Chapell says, "Travis is the heart and soul of the roster as well as being one of the most versatile players to have played at Endicott. Having been an all-conference middle as a freshman and junior, he has also hit outside and opposite and sets the tone each and every day on the court. He will also look to repeat last year's First Team All-NECC performance."

The quest for a second straight NECC title begins on Saturday, February 1^st at the Live Free or Die Invitational, a two-day tournament where the Blue and Green take on Daniel Webster and nationally ranked opponents #5 Baruch and #8 Rivier. Endicott's first home match will be on Tuesday, February 11^th against conference opponent Regis (Mass.).