By: Matthew Galdi
Contributing Writer
Jacob Riedl, a junior basketball player, dusted off the “rust” and joined the men’s volleyball team, making him a two-sport athlete.
“A week after the basketball season ended, (volleyball) coach Craft reached out to me, and we met up again,” he said. “He offered me a spot on the roster after one of the outsides went out with a shoulder injury.”
Riedl, wearing number 18 for the Stars, is listed as an outside hitter for this season.
In Riedl’s junior season of high school at Maine West High School, he posted a stat line of 189 kills, a .626 hitting percentage, 35 total blocks, 24 digs, and 5 assists.
Upon joining the team, Riedl has an entirely different chemistry perspective with brand new teammates.
“The team has been extremely welcoming since my first day,” he said. “All the guys have been taking me under their wing and helped out with different aspects of the game like footwork, tempo, serve receive, etc.”
With a three-year gap between high school and his first season now with the Stars, Jacob has been able to shake off the “rust” and transition between the two sports.
According to a research study conducted by the NCAA in 2020, only 2.3% of high school men’s volleyball players and only 1.4% of high school players play at the college level, let alone participate in two sports.
“(Jacob) adds value to this program both on and off the court with his athleticism and his overall incredible personality,” said Craft. “He has had the opportunity to come into some big matches and make a direct impact already, and our program couldn’t be happier to have him!”
