January 14. 2020 – By NJP
Rancocas Valley had a solid 2019 campaign finishing at 12-8 and in NJ’s top 60. With 88% of their players stats returning from last year, NJP expects big things from the Red Devils and currently have them in the Preseason top 30 at #28 in the state. A big factor last year was the play of 6′ 5″ Opposite Hitter Caden Kelty. As a junior, Caden racked up 143 kills and 58 blocks, strong numbers which put him in the top 10% of all players last season in both categories.
Caden continues to develop his skills by playing club during the winter. He is one of a handful of NJ players who play club in another state. After playing for CJVA in 2018, he has moved over to the Lehigh Valley Force Volleyball Club and his 18U Inferno team has been very successful. They recently won the a major 18U tournament at Moravian College which included NJ’s best club team, Warren Sixpack 18-1. Jacob Fryc from Northern Burlington is a teammate and another NJ player who crossed state borders for Club season.
Like many male players, Caden was inspired by his older sister who plays volleyball. His family at home has provided strong support and he feels that with his teammates at Rancocas Valley as well. This years team will have 9 seniors, most of which have played together for multiple years along with several impact juniors including Tyler Myers and Joshua Milke. More info on RV at: https://njpowerranking.com/rancocas-valley-2020-psr/
Caden is the real deal. We have seen him play in two tournaments this year and he can be a difference maker in any given set. His powerful left arm can beat you on serves and kills and he has strong jumping ability on the block. In addition, he can be a fireball for his teammates and he plays with a high level of passion that builds momentum for his team.
Here is our interview with Caden…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Caden Kelty. I am a senior at Rancocas Valley Regional High School. I have an older brother who played baseball and an older sister who played volleyball. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends and I am also Vice President of my ping pong club which is always a lot of fun.
How long have you played volleyball?
I have played volleyball since my freshman year but I always peppered with my sister in the backyard.
What inspired you to take up volleyball initially?
My sister played and I did not have any spring sports in mind so I thought it would be a fun way to meet some new people and try a new sport.
Who is your support group?
My Mom is definitely my number one fan and I know she will always be there to watch as many games as she can. My Dad is also a good support to help me stay motivated to work out and try an increase my vertical. Also, my sister really taught me how to play and still always gives me pointers to help me improve my game.
How will your high school team do in the upcoming season? Do you have a lot of returning players? What will be the key to success?
I am looking forward to this upcoming season, we have all but two returning varsity players and will have a very senior heavy team. Most of us have been playing varsity since our sophomore years so we have the experience and the chemistry. Over the years I feel like we have become brothers and I know that I would do anything for them on and off the court which will help motivate our team to be the best we can be.
Tell us about your school?
We have a very supportive school that just feels like a family. Nobody feels out of place with the amount of clubs we have that fit everyone’s interests. We have a big event called red and white night that involves every student in some way which is a good way to meet new people.
Tell us about your high school coach?
Coach Colling has been my coach for four years now and I would not want another coach. He may have never played volleyball but over the years as we grew as players he grew as a coach to learn new techniques and skills that have improved our game. He also was the one that had the idea of “Band of Brothers” which has made us into a family. If you are reading this Colling thank you for introducing me to this sport and helping me find some of my closest friends.
What does your high school team do that is different than the other teams out there to prepare you for the season?
We all play club but we try to keep a tight bond by hanging out together and playing beach together. We all get along and we just try to keep the chemistry as strong as possible.
How do you manage your time when playing a varsity sport?
While in season I only have time to play and study so it keeps me very focused.
Which player last season was the toughest competitor that you faced and why?
Hunter Oshman was the toughest competitor we faced. He is one of my good friends because we played club together last year. I prefer being on his team rather than against him.
NJP considers you as one of the top players in the state. Do you plan on playing in College? (If so, which ones are you looking at?)
I am looking at smaller Division 3 schools at the moment. I am in contact with a good amount but I am starting to narrow down the schools slowly.
Which schools are your biggest rivals?
Northern Burlington because we somehow always split one win and one loss every season.
What is your favorite volleyball story?
Last year when we played Hopewell Valley when we warmed up they played “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy” by the wiggles. Every time we would get a block or kill we would start singing the song and we inevitably won the game. That became our go to hype up song.
