4/20/25
Certain volleyball players stand out not just for their statistical prowess, but for their game-changing impact on their teams. Albert Nova, a junior at Passaic Charter, has firmly established himself as one of those difference-makers. At 16 years old, the 5’5″ outside hitter with an impressive 40-inch vertical leap has been instrumental in Passaic Charter’s remarkable 9-1 start to the 2025 season. His journey in the sport began almost by chance.
“I began playing volleyball in 8th grade,” Nova explains. “It was the only sport my middle school had for boys to try, so I did.”
That fortuitous beginning has evolved into a volleyball career marked by consistent growth and achievement. After contributing 86 digs, 9 assists, and 8 aces as a freshman, Nova exploded onto the scene during his sophomore year with 134 kills, 108 digs, and 30 aces, earning second team all-county honors and helping lead Passaic Charter to the North Jersey Group 1 semifinals.
Now in his junior year, Nova has already accumulated 94 kills, 80 digs, and 8 aces through just 10 matches, with his best performance coming against Hoboken on March 29, where he recorded an impressive 17 kills, 10 digs, and an ace in a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Coming off a county championship last season, Nova acknowledges the team faces new challenges this year. “We lost key pieces in Anthony Matute and Damian Gutierrez, so I am sure a lot of people don’t think we will be as good,” he says. “But we have a great group that came back with a mix of seniors and a freshman stepping up. I am hoping my game will take a jump in all areas to help us compete again in the states and counties.”
Nova’s volleyball development has been shaped by several influences, including former teammate Anthony Matute. “He was my role model when it came to how to approach big games and go about practice,” Nova shares. “We are still such good friends we talk all the time.” Matute is finishing his freshman season playing D3 volleyball at NJCU and will be participating in the ECAC Championship this weekend at Rutgers.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Jordan Sarro, Passaic Charter has developed into one of the top volleyball programs in North Jersey. Nova speaks highly of his coach’s impact: “Coach Sarro is really passionate about coaching us. He has helped create a culture of winning since I have been here. The coaching staff loves us, and we love them. They usually have to kick us out after practice, as we all never want to leave.”
The 2025 squad features several key returning players who Nova believes will be crucial to the team’s success. “We have three seniors who are returning: Isaac Acevado (setter), Daniel Lucero (libero), and Brandon Acevado (outside). We have two kids who are really stepping up: freshman Noah Conception and Junior Chris Albino.”
Nova has developed a particularly strong connection with setter Isaac Acevado. “We are really close,” he says. “He’s been my setter since my freshman year when I got to hit outside on JV, so we have built a chemistry where I don’t even need to talk to him.”
When asked about the toughest competitors he faced last season, Nova identifies two standout players. “It would have to be either Giovanni Martin from West Caldwell Tech, or Ylan Tapper from Garfield. They both created the same issue for us last year as they not only hit with power, but were such smart players and moved all around the floor.”
Living in Passaic with his parents and younger siblings, Nova has a strong family support system that includes his brother Justin, who will soon be joining the volleyball program. “My coaches and teammates are my biggest supporters,” Nova adds. “Even if it’s not playing in high school, they are always hyping me up and checking in when I am at the club to see how things are going.”
While Nova began his high school career as a libero before transitioning to outside hitter, he anticipates potentially returning to his original position at the collegiate level. “I want to play in college, where I will probably move back to libero,” he says.
Beyond high school, Nova has gained valuable experience playing club volleyball for Garden State Elite. “My club season went well as I had good exposure to high-level gameplay and got to go to Southern California to play really good volleyball,” he explains.
Despite having opportunities to play in exotic locations, Nova’s favorite volleyball venue might surprise some. “If I could play anywhere it would be in our gym,” he says proudly. “I love playing here, fans are great and nothing like playing at Passaic Charter. I would love a tri-match with Harrison and West Caldwell Tech as we have had great games these last two years and I just want to play good competitive volleyball.”
That home-court advantage is bolstered by the unique environment at Passaic Charter, a small school that creates a tightly-knit community. “Passaic Charter only has 290 students… we are really small but that makes it great,” Nova explains. “Our students come out and show up to everything, we love having them there. Our administration is also really supportive when it comes to Athletics. Our School Director Mr. Celik rarely misses and is usually one of the loudest ones in the gym. I will never forget when we won states, he was one of the first people to run on the floor and celebrate with us.”
As the 2025 season progresses, Nova and his teammates have their sights set on continuing their winning tradition. When asked about what it will take to succeed, Nova emphasizes fundamentals: “For us to be successful, we need to be great communicators and stay focused on daily goals, not look ahead to anything.”
With his combination of athletic ability, team-first mentality, and clear vision for improvement, Albert Nova represents the bright future of New Jersey high school volleyball. His journey from an eighth-grade novice to one of the state’s most dynamic players serves as inspiration for young athletes across New Jersey, proving that dedication, supportive teammates, and passionate coaching can help talented players reach their full potential.