National Champions Earn National Recognition

Canandaigua, N.Y. - Following a historic season that ended with the first NJCAA National Championship in program history, several Finger Lakes Men's Volleyball players earned national recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the year.

Sophomore Cole Thomas (Fayetteville, N.Y. / Chittenango) earned NJCAA Player of the Year honors while also being named an NJCAA All-American First Team selection after serving as the leader of the Lakers both on and off the court all season long. Thomas directed one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, leading the country with 10.28 assists per set while totaling 730 assists on the year. He also added 69 service aces, 106 digs, and 30 blocks while consistently controlling the pace of matches and keeping the Lakers composed during big moments throughout the season.

Sophomore Ethan Bond (Phelps, N.Y. / Midlakes) was named an NJCAA All-American First Team selection after putting together one of the top all-around seasons in the country. Bond finished the year with 222 kills, 30 service aces, 44 total blocks, and 274.5 points while averaging 4.2 points per set. He also earned National Tournament MVP honors after helping lead the Lakers through their championship run on the national stage.

Freshman Zach Sipos (Canandaigua, N.Y. / Canandaigua Academy) earned NJCAA All-American Third Team honors after an outstanding first collegiate season with the Lakers. Sipos led the team with 236 kills and 280 total points while averaging 4.2 points per set. He also contributed 125 digs and 25 total blocks, emerging as one of the top freshman attackers in the country during the Lakers' championship season.

Head Coach Frank Clark was named NJCAA Coach of the Year after guiding Finger Lakes to a 22-4 record and the first national championship in program history during his first season at the helm. Under Clark's leadership, the Lakers quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in the nation and capped off a season that will forever be remembered in FLCC Athletics history.

From individual accolades to championship success, this season marked one of the greatest years in Finger Lakes Men's Volleyball history and set the standard for the future of the program.