4/16/25
Success in New Jersey high school volleyball is often measured in statistics and championships. But for Monroe Township’s Joel Abraham, the numbers tell only part of a much deeper story… one of family legacy, immigrant perseverance, and a commitment to service that extends far beyond the volleyball court.
As Joel Abraham prepares to graduate with Monroe Township High School’s Class of 2025, he stands at the threshold of a journey that has been years in the making. “After graduating, I plan on attending the United States Military Academy at West Point to study Mechanical Engineering,” Abraham shares. “Volleyball is something I definitely want to continue growing and advancing in, whether that’s competing at the club level or playing at the NCAA level as I pursue higher studies.”
In a time of global uncertainty and conflict, Abraham’s decision to pursue military service carries special weight. As the son of immigrants who came to the United States in 1998, his choice represents both personal ambition and a profound sense of gratitude toward the country that has provided opportunities for his family.
“I’m the youngest of three brothers and I am first generation here after my parents immigrated to the US in 1998,” Abraham explains.
At the heart of Abraham’s story lies the profound influence of his older brothers, Michael and Gabriel, whose examples have shaped his path both as an athlete and as a young man preparing for military service.
“My military journey was inspired by my brothers, but I am hoping to pursue this passion in my own unique light. Mike is a Second Lieutenant in the US Army after graduating USMA 2024 and Gabe is a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps after graduating from Rutgers in 2023. ” Abraham reflects. “Michael, who’s five years older than me, has always been deeply invested in my growth, both on and off the court. He’s the one who taught me the value of discipline, sacrifice, and balance when it comes to chasing my goals, whether in academics, sports, or my faith.”
This mentorship took practical form during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Michael helped Joel develop his volleyball skills through intense, sometimes intimidating training sessions.
“I trained throughout COVID with my brother Mike, who taught me the fundamentals of the sport,” Abraham recalls. “I remember the hot summers in the driveway training with a lacrosse helmet on, fearing for my life as my brother hit at me with ball after ball after ball, which ultimately helped me get over my fear of getting hit with these fast balls.”
The legacy of familial guidance extends to his eldest brother as well. “Gabriel, who’s seven years older than me, has always reminded me to stay grounded in my beliefs and use them as fuel to push past limits I never thought I could reach,” Abraham says. “Despite their busy schedules and constant travel, I’m incredibly proud to say that Mike and Gabe are not just my brothers, they’re my greatest mentors, role models, and most trusted confidants.”
This brotherhood extends to the court as well. It was Michael’s participation on Monroe Township’s inaugural boys volleyball team that first sparked Joel’s interest in the sport, a spark that would eventually ignite into one of New Jersey’s brightest volleyball careers.
Abraham’s volleyball journey began long before high school, as he watched his parents compete in an adult league at the local Recreation Center. Those early exposures planted seeds that would later flourish.
“I began my volleyball journey at a young age playing recreationally on the sidelines while my parents played in an adult league at the local Recreation Center,” Abraham recounts. “My parents were some of my biggest supporters, teaching me about the sport and being there on the sidelines during my club and high school volleyball journeys.”
That foundation, combined with his brother’s influence, led Abraham to pursue volleyball more seriously in middle school. From there, his development accelerated, first with Princeton Volleyball Club, where he competed on the U16 team at just 14 years old, and later with CORE Volleyball’s 18 Platinum team.
Standing 6’1″ with an impressive 11-foot approach touch, Abraham has become a dominant force for the Falcons. His junior season showcased this development, as he recorded 272 kills, 167 digs, and 28 aces while leading Monroe Township to a 20-10 record in the highly competitive GMC-Red Division.
These achievements earned him All GMC Red Division and 1st Team All State honors, along with setting school records for single-season and career kills, a milestone he celebrated this season when he recorded his 500th career kill during a match against Bridgewater-Raritan.
“The match paused, my friends stormed the court for pictures, and it turned into this really cool moment I’ll never forget,” Abraham shares. “We ended up winning that match in another wild three-set battle, kind of the perfect way to celebrate a milestone.”
As Abraham looks toward his senior season, his focus extends beyond personal statistics to the legacy he hopes to leave at Monroe Township.
“As a newer boys volleyball program, I’m hoping to leave behind a standard, not just in stats like kills, aces, and digs, but in work ethic and culture… for future Monroe players to pursue,” he explains. “Personally, I’m just looking to build on what I’ve done so far and do whatever I can to help our team bring home a championship.”
That championship pursuit faces significant challenges, particularly from perennial power Old Bridge, which handed Monroe four of its losses last season. Yet Abraham approaches these rivalries with respect rather than animosity.
“I always tell everyone I know that Old Bridge games are the most entertaining ones of the season,” he says. “After playing them 10 times in my high school career, I’ve grown to love every second being on the other side of the net from OB and putting up a fight with some of the best talent in the state. I am optimistic towards our future encounters with them, and look forward to giving them a run for their money and potentially making Monroe Township Boys Volleyball history in the process.”
This mature perspective reflects Abraham’s understanding that competition, like military service, is about something larger than individual glory.
Abraham’s journey has been made possible by a comprehensive support system that extends well beyond his immediate family.
“My support group definitely starts with my mom, dad, and my two brothers… but it goes way beyond just family,” he explains. “My teammates from CORE Volleyball Club and the Monroe Township High School program have played such a huge role in helping me find my love for the game.”
Abraham also credits numerous coaches who have shaped his development, including Coach Marz, Coach Christina, Coach Dakota, and Coach Roman from CORE, along with Monroe Township’s coaching staff led by Coach Stec and Coach Zimms.
“Coach Stec has probably been one of my biggest supporters since day one. Not just with volleyball, but with school, injuries, girls, life advice, and pretty much anything else,” Abraham notes with appreciation. This network of support has helped Abraham navigate the challenges of being a student-athlete while preparing for the rigorous demands of a military academy education.
As Abraham prepares for West Point, he carries with him not only athletic talent but also the values instilled by his family… discipline, sacrifice, and service to something greater than oneself.
His favorite quote, “The greatest views come after the hardest climbs,” reflects this understanding that meaningful achievement requires considerable effort. It’s a philosophy that applies equally to volleyball, academics, and the path of military service he has chosen to pursue.
For younger athletes who may look to Abraham as a role model, his example offers a powerful testament to setting priorities that extend beyond athletic achievement. While his volleyball accomplishments stand on their own merit, they serve as just one aspect of a life oriented toward contribution and service.
As the world faces increasing uncertainty and conflict, Abraham’s decision to attend West Point takes on added significance. His choice represents a willingness to put service before self, a value increasingly rare in a society often focused on individual achievement and recognition.
In this context, Abraham’s volleyball career, impressive as it is, serves as a vehicle for developing the character, discipline, and teamwork that will serve him in the more consequential arenas where he will later compete. The leadership skills honed as a team captain, the resilience developed through competitive matches, and the work ethic required for high-level athletic performance are all transferable to the demands of military leadership.
As Joel Abraham completes his high school career at Monroe Township and prepares for the challenges ahead at West Point, his journey reminds us that the greatest victories often come not on the court but in the lives we touch and the service we render. In a time when such commitment is desperately needed, Abraham’s example shines as an inspiration to young athletes across New Jersey and beyond.
“Additionally, I would like to add that growing up in a Christian household has constantly motivated me to do the best with what I have been blessed with. One Bible verse from Isaiah 40:31 has been a constant source of strength for me in the midst of my volleyball journey, Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”