4/14/25
Established programs often dominate the conversation on NJP. But this spring, a new contender has emerged as Hightstown High School launches its inaugural boys volleyball season. At the heart of this pioneering effort stands junior middle blocker Shawn Lobo, whose passion, skill, and leadership are helping to build a program from scratch—and finding early success that’s turning heads across the state.
Standing 6’2″ with a 27-inch vertical leap, Shawn Lobo brings more than just physical tools to Hightstown’s new volleyball program. As a junior and one of the team’s key players, he carries a family legacy that sparked his journey in the sport.
“I’ve been playing volleyball for about three years now,” Lobo explains. “My passion for the game was sparked by my dad, who played in high school and inspired me to follow in his footsteps. From the moment I stepped on the court, I was drawn to the combination of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork that volleyball demands.”
That relatively brief volleyball career hasn’t stopped Lobo from making an immediate impact. Through the team’s first five matches, he has recorded double digit kills and blocks, showcasing his developing skills as a middle blocker.
“I love the intensity of playing middle,” Lobo shares. “Whether it’s getting a big block or putting down a quick set, there’s always a chance to shift momentum. It’s a demanding role, but the adrenaline and impact make it my favorite.”
What makes Hightstown’s early success particularly remarkable is that the team didn’t exist until this season. As one of New Jersey’s newest volleyball programs, every practice, every point, and every match represents history in the making.
“It’s been an amazing experience to be part of something from the ground up,” Lobo reflects. “We’ve had to work hard to build chemistry and set a standard for future teams. It’s exciting knowing we’re making history for Hightstown volleyball.”
That history already includes competitive play against established programs. Through their first five matches, the Rams have compiled a 2-3 record—an impressive start for a team with no institutional experience. Their victories have shown that this first-year program isn’t merely participating; they’re competing to win.
“We’re off to a strong start with already, and I truly believe we’re just getting started,” Lobo says with confidence. “Our team chemistry is building with every practice and match, and the progress we’ve made in such a short time has been impressive. We’re learning fast, staying hungry, and starting to play with real confidence.”
The challenge of creating a volleyball program extends beyond learning rotations and perfecting technique. It’s about establishing a culture and identity that will define Hightstown volleyball for years to come.
“We have a mix of athletes, some with experience and others who are new to the sport,” Lobo notes. “But what’s impressive is how quickly everyone has bought into the team mentality. There’s a lot of raw talent and potential, and we push each other to improve every day.”
The Rams’ roster reflects this diversity of experience. Athletes like Cyril Baffoe-Bonnie (38 assists), Lionel Aguilar (28 digs), and Sebastian Rincon (7 kills, 4 aces) have all made significant contributions alongside Lobo. Together, they’re developing the cohesion necessary for success on the court.
“I think we’re going to turn a lot of heads this season and make a deeper run than anyone expected from a first-year program,” Lobo predicts.
Behind every successful new program stands a visionary coach, and Hightstown has found that leadership in Head Coach Lea Clarke, who has embraced the challenge of building a team from scratch.
“Coach Clarke has been a huge part of our program’s launch and early success,” Lobo explains. “From the very beginning, she’s brought unmatched passion and energy to the team. What really sets her apart is the way she connects with her athletes—not just as players, but as people. She takes the time to understand each of us, our strengths, our goals, and even our struggles, and she always finds a way to motivate and uplift us.”
That personal connection has proven vital in developing team chemistry in such a short time. Under Clarke’s guidance, the Rams have quickly moved beyond fundamental teaching to establishing a competitive identity.
“Her attitude is always positive, supportive, and inspiring,” Lobo continues. “She’s the type of coach who makes you want to give your all, not just for the win, but for the team and for her. The bond she’s built with us is something special—it creates a strong sense of trust and unity, which is so important, especially in a brand-new program. Coach Clarke isn’t just teaching us volleyball—she’s helping us grow as leaders, teammates, and individuals.
Despite their early victories, Lobo recognizes that building a program is a process that comes with challenges. When asked about the biggest barrier to Hightstown’s success in 2025, he identifies areas for continued growth.
“Our biggest challenge will be building depth and experience,” he acknowledges. “With such a new program, we’re still developing consistency and working on tightening our fundamentals. But with the right mindset, we’ll keep progressing.”
That focus on fundamentals and continued improvement has already paid dividends on the court. In their second match against Westampton Tech, Lobo had his best performance of the young season, recording 8 kills in a 2-1 victory. Performances like these give the team confidence that they belong in competition with more established programs.
Like many successful athletes, Lobo credits his support system with helping him develop both on and off the court.
“My parents are definitely my biggest supporters,” he shares. “They come to every game they can and are always encouraging me to push myself. Shout out to them for all the rides, post-game talks, and endless support. My teammates and close friends are also a big part of my support system.”
This support extends to Lobo’s family at home, including his brothers Kevin and Ethyn. “We’re all pretty competitive, whether it’s in sports, games, or academics,” he notes. “That friendly rivalry has definitely pushed me to work harder and strive to be my best.”
That drive extends to Lobo’s future plans, which include continuing his volleyball career after graduation.
“Yes, I definitely want to continue playing volleyball in college,” he confirms. “I’m exploring schools that have strong academics and competitive volleyball programs, and I’m working hard both on the court and in the classroom to make that dream happen.”
For all the statistics and wins, what stands out most to Lobo is the experience of being part of something new—creating traditions and memories that will live on long after his high school career concludes.
“One of my favorite memories so far was our first-ever win as a new team,” he recalls. “The energy in the gym, the celebration afterward—it felt like all our hard work was paying off and was a sign of more good things to come.”
As the season progresses, Lobo and his teammates look forward to creating more of these milestone moments. With upcoming matches against programs like West Windsor-Plainsboro South, North Brunswick, and East Brunswick, opportunities abound for Hightstown to continue establishing itself as a competitive force in New Jersey volleyball.
Though individual accolades haven’t arrived yet, Lobo maintains perspective on what matters most in this inaugural season.
“I haven’t won awards yet, but that’s a goal I’m working toward,” he says. “Being part of a first-year program, we’re setting the stage for individual and team recognition, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
That journey is ongoing, with each practice, each match, and each point representing another brick in the foundation of Hightstown volleyball. For Shawn Lobo and his teammates, the opportunity to build something lasting transcends the immediate results on the scoreboard.
As the Rams continue their historic first season, they’re not just playing volleyball—they’re creating a legacy that future Hightstown teams will build upon for years to come. With leaders like Shawn Lobo helping to establish the culture, fundamentals, and competitive spirit, that foundation appears to be on solid ground.
For younger players watching Hightstown’s emergence, the message is clear: sometimes the greatest opportunity lies not in joining something established, but in being part of something new—in writing the first chapter of a story that’s just beginning to unfold.