5/6/25

Conventional wisdom suggests that building a successful program requires years of development. However, the Oratory Prep Rams have defied expectations, transforming from newcomers to contenders in just their second season of existence. With a current record of 10-5, including a statement victory over perennial powerhouse Westfield, the Rams have announced their arrival as a formidable presence in Union County volleyball.

At the center of this rapid rise stands junior outside hitter Devon Fernandez, whose exceptional play and leadership have helped catalyze Oratory’s emergence. Standing 6’4″ with a remarkable 41-inch vertical leap, Fernandez has become the cornerstone of a program that has far exceeded expectations for such a young team.

“From the very beginning of the season, the tone was clear: we’re not here to mess around… we’re here to compete and establish ourselves as a serious program,” Fernandez explained, reflecting on the team’s evolution from their inaugural campaign to their current success.

The numbers tell a compelling story about Fernandez’s impact. Last season, as a sophomore in the program’s first year, he recorded 173 kills, 54 digs, and 25 aces across a challenging 5-15 season. This year, through just 15 matches, he’s already amassed 186 kills, 45 digs, and 31 aces, demonstrating remarkable growth alongside his teammates.

What makes Oratory’s success particularly noteworthy is how they’ve overcome early adversity. The Rams started this season 0-3, but rather than folding under pressure, they used that challenging start as motivation.

“Even though we started off 0-3, all we needed was a little momentum,” Fernandez recalls. “That turning point came when we played in a tournament, which gave us the momentum we were looking for. After that, we went on a seven-game win streak and haven’t looked back since.”

The team’s recent 2-1 victory over Westfield on May 5th represents the culmination of their hard work and steady improvement. In that signature win, Fernandez contributed 15 kills, 12 digs, and an ace, showcasing his all-around capabilities in the team’s biggest test to date.

“For a second-year program like ours to go 10-5 and upset a powerhouse like Westfield was a huge accomplishment,” Fernandez said. “That win came from a perfect combination of energy, chemistry, and momentum. Volleyball is such a momentum-driven game and once you gain that edge, everything can shift, and we knew we had to capitalize on that.”

What makes this victory even more significant is the contrast to last season, when Westfield defeated Oratory 2-0. The reversal of fortune symbolizes the program’s rapid development and growing confidence.

“From the start, we brought a ton of energy, and as the match went on, we fed off each other’s confidence and kept that intensity high,” Fernandez explained. “Everyone played their role, and we kept pushing point after point. The crowd support also helped fuel us with people cheering and rallying behind us, adding an extra level of motivation. We knew a big win like this would be a statement so that we are here to be taken seriously.”

The architect behind this remarkable transformation is head coach Darek Libucha, who has masterfully developed raw talent into a cohesive unit in short order. Fernandez speaks glowingly of his coach’s impact on the program.

“Coach Darek Libucha is an all-around great guy who truly loves the game and wants nothing more than to see us succeed,” Fernandez shared. “He’s constantly pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves, both on and off the court. What really stands out about him is his knowledge of the game and his ability to teach it. He took a group of mostly first-year players and, within just a few weeks, helped us grow into a competitive volleyball team.”

What’s particularly impressive about Oratory’s success is the youth of their roster. The team features no seniors, meaning the entire squad will return next season with another year of experience under their belts. This continuity bodes well for the program’s continued growth and potential for even greater achievements.

Fernandez recognizes that while the team has made tremendous strides, they still have room for improvement. “Our team’s biggest barrier to success right now is experience,” he acknowledged. “We have all the potential and the right pieces in place to be a top team with athletic players who know their positions and compete hard. But for some of the newer guys, there are just certain situations and in-game moments they haven’t experienced yet.”

Despite this, Fernandez maintains an optimistic outlook about what the team can accomplish both this season and beyond. “Since experience is really the only thing holding us back, I fully believe we’ll make a strong push this year, especially in states or counties. I think right now we can be considered a wild card and the Rams cannot be counted out. And with what we’re building, I have no doubt we’ll come back even stronger next season and push to be one of the top teams in the state.”

As an outside hitter, Fernandez embraces the challenges of his position, which requires versatility and a complete skill set. “Outside hitter is definitely my favorite position because I think it’s the most complete role on the court,” he explained. “It requires versatility in passing, defense, blocking, and offense. I love the challenge of contributing both offensively and defensively.”

This perspective reflects the mindset that has helped propel Oratory to success: embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. For Fernandez, volleyball has been a lifelong passion nurtured by family influence.

“I’ve been playing volleyball since third grade, so it’s been about nine years now,” he shared. “I started club volleyball in sixth grade as a libero and played that position for three years before switching to outside hitter in my freshman year. My older sister and two brothers were a huge influence on me as they all played in middle school, high school, and club, and I loved watching their matches. That early exposure sparked my love for the game and made me eager to start playing myself.”

His volleyball journey took a significant turn when an opportunity arose to play at a more competitive level. “Another major turning point came when CJVA needed more players for their 15U team. I began as a practice player but was eventually offered a spot on the team as a libero, which gave me the chance to play alongside my brother Colin. That experience really deepened my passion for the sport.”

Now playing club volleyball for CORE Volleyball Club in Hillsborough, Fernandez continues to develop his skills year-round. “My club experience at CORE has been incredible,” he noted. “This is my first year with the club, and I’ve been really impressed with both the team and how we’ve performed throughout the season. We have a strong, competitive group of guys, and I’m excited to compete with them in our upcoming tournaments in Virginia and Florida.”

The competitive environment at CORE has provided additional growth opportunities for Fernandez. “Our practices are always high-intensity and focused, with everyone pushing to improve individually as we prepare for the tournaments ahead. I really love the combined environment when we scrimmage the 18s team which has very skilled players. The environment and coaching at CORE have definitely helped me grow as a player and to hopefully push me to the college level.”

What makes Oratory’s rapid ascent particularly remarkable is how they’ve managed to cultivate team chemistry in such a short time. The program’s youth has actually become an advantage, as many players have multiple seasons ahead to continue growing together. With a roster featuring primarily juniors and sophomores, the team has established a foundation that promises sustained success.

Outside hitter Devon Fernandez and setter Miles Williamson have formed a particularly effective partnership that powers the Rams’ attack. The front line has been bolstered by junior outside hitter Jeremy Yeager, who has contributed 101 kills and 42 service points, while junior Brandon Lissade has added 36 kills and 11 blocks. Sophomore Noah Tockarshewsky has stepped up as the team’s libero, after setting last year, providing solid defensive play with 93 digs as well as 30 aces. This balanced attack has made Oratory difficult to defend, as opponents can’t simply focus on stopping Fernandez.

In their recent signature win over Westfield, the Rams showed they could perform under pressure. After splitting the first two sets, they maintained their composure to secure the decisive third set, demonstrating a mental toughness that belies their program’s youth.

“We knew a big win like this would be a statement so that we are here to be taken seriously,” Fernandez emphasized, highlighting the team’s determination to earn respect in the volleyball community.

Looking ahead at the remaining schedule, the Rams have an opportunity to further solidify their standing with upcoming matches against Elizabeth and St. Peter’s Prep. A strong finish could position them favorably for the postseason, where they have a legitimate chance to make a statement in both county and state tournaments.

When asked about their biggest conference rival, Fernandez identified Plainfield as the team that consistently brings out their best. “I see Plainfield as our biggest competitor. Every time we’ve faced them, the matches were intense, with high energy and a lot of tension on both sides. We’ve gone to three sets both times we saw them, and each game came down to the wire. That kind of rivalry pushed both of our teams to play to the best of our ability.”

After losing to Plainfield 2-1 early in the season, Oratory secured a 2-1 victory in their second meeting on April 23rd, with Fernandez delivering a standout performance of 23 kills, 3 blocks, and 4 aces. This reversal demonstrates the team’s growth and ability to learn from previous encounters.

For Fernandez personally, the journey has been about continuous improvement and embracing new challenges. Having transitioned from libero to outside hitter has given him a comprehensive understanding of the game from multiple perspectives. “I started club volleyball in sixth grade as a libero and played that position for three years before switching to outside hitter in my freshman year,” he explained. This versatility has made him a more complete player capable of contributing in various facets of the game.

Off the court, Fernandez maintains a balanced life with other interests. “I like to play video games, golf, and watch movies,” he shared, adding with a touch of humor, “I really like drinking chocolate milk so whenever I go to Wawa I get a half gallon.”

The culture of resilience that has developed within the program was evident in how they responded to early adversity this season. After starting 0-3, many young teams might have become discouraged, but the Rams used it as motivation. Their subsequent seven-game winning streak demonstrated their mental toughness and ability to maintain confidence through challenges.

This resilience was particularly evident in their matches against Plainfield. After losing their early-season encounter, they regrouped and secured a victory in the rematch, showing growth and adaptability. Similarly, their upset of Westfield represented a significant breakthrough, turning the tables on a team that had defeated them the previous season.

The foundation for future success appears solid. With the entire roster returning next season, the Rams will benefit from continuity and shared experience. The connections developed this year will only strengthen, potentially elevating the team to even greater heights.

“And with what we’re building, I have no doubt we’ll come back even stronger next season and push to be one of the top teams in the state,” Fernandez confidently predicted.

For a program in just its second year of existence, such aspirations might seem ambitious. However, given their rapid progress and the foundation they’ve established, Oratory has every reason to believe in a bright future.

The story of Oratory Prep volleyball serves as a reminder that with the right combination of talent, coaching, work ethic, and team chemistry, traditional timelines for building successful programs can be accelerated. What might normally take five years to build, the Rams have accomplished in just two seasons.

As they prepare for their remaining regular-season matches and potentially the postseason, the Rams carry with them the confidence of knowing they’ve already exceeded expectations. Whatever the outcome, they’ve established themselves as a program on the rise, with their best days still ahead.

For Devon Fernandez and his teammates, the journey has only just begun. With another season together on the horizon, the possibilities seem limitless for this remarkable group of young athletes who have already made their mark on New Jersey high school volleyball.

The Oratory Prep Rams: no longer underdogs, but contenders with staying power.