5/8/25

Turnaround stories captivate our imagination and remind us why we love the game. The 2025 Hillsborough High School boys volleyball team has authored one such inspiring narrative, transforming a challenging 1-4 start into an impressive 15-game winning streak as they prepare for county and state tournament play. At the center of this remarkable journey stands senior setter Arsh Trivedi, whose leadership, resilience, and passion for the game exemplify what it means to overcome adversity.

Arsh’s volleyball journey began as a freshman recovering from knee surgery. What started as rehabilitation quickly evolved into passion. “Initially, volleyball was a way for me to get back in shape and just move around, but as time went on I fell in love with the game,” Arsh explains. “Now it has become a place where I can set aside my life for 2-3 hours and just focus on myself.”

Standing 5’9″ with a hard-earned 30-inch vertical leap, Arsh isn’t the tallest player on the court, but his dedication to improvement speaks volumes. During the offseason, he committed himself to studying film, both his own performances and those of collegiate and professional players, while working diligently in the gym to reach his vertical jump goal.

Arsh’s statistics tell the story of his impact: across 45 sets played this season, he’s amassed an impressive 447 assists, 30 kills, 20 blocks, 87 digs, and 16 aces. These numbers represent more than just athletic achievement, they’re the product of perseverance and commitment to craft.

What makes Hillsborough’s offense so potent is the chemistry Arsh has developed with his hitting corps. The connections he’s built with senior Mannan Wadhawan, juniors Gavin Wacaster and Marcus Bulawski, and freshman Alex Susan have turned the Raiders into an offensive juggernaut.

His relationship with Mannan traces back to freshman year when, as Arsh recalls, “almost every ball I set was a double and we didn’t know how to approach.” Years of shared growth have transformed Mannan into Arsh’s favorite setting target, with Arsh marveling at Mannan’s exceptional jumping ability.

With Marcus Bulawski, Arsh benefits from exceptional court communication. “Marcus is one of the most vocal players on the court, yelling calls and communicating midpoint based on where the pass is” Arsh explains. This communication, combined with Marcus’s volleyball IQ, has allowed them to build chemistry rapidly and add variety to their offense.

Arsh describes Gavin Wacaster as “one of the best hitters that I have seen play,” noting that “the power in his swing is something that I have never seen.” This mutual trust allows Arsh to set confidently, knowing Gavin will make the right play.

Perhaps most surprising is the immediate connection with freshman Alex Susan, whom Arsh describes as “the most competitive and fierce player on our team.” Despite his youth, Alex’s drive and adaptability have made him a reliable offensive weapon and a catalyst for team energy.

After dropping four of their first five matches against formidable opponents like Hunterdon Central, St. Joseph (Met.), Fair Lawn, and Old Bridge, something changed for Hillsborough. “It hurt me and the rest of the team telling friends and family, we could’ve done this or we should’ve done that after the losses,” Arsh reflects.

That accountability became the foundation for transformation. “This accountability and hunger showed up the next week in our practices with the change in intensity and demeanor in the whole team,” he says. The heightened work ethic and maximized practice time propelled the Raiders to their current 16-4 record, including a perfect 7-1 in the competitive Skyland Conference Delaware Division.

Arsh cites an early-season match against Watchung Hills as his favorite volleyball memory, a moment that epitomizes the team’s resilience. Down 0-1 in sets and facing multiple match points at 21-24 in the second set, Hillsborough rallied with clutch serving, ultimately winning the set 30-28 before taking the deciding third set. That comeback victory became emblematic of their season-long turnaround.

No athlete succeeds alone, and Arsh is quick to acknowledge his support network. His parents, Nishit and Hiral Trivedi, along with brother Anush (who also plays volleyball for Hillsborough), make their presence known at every match. “I can hear them yelling in the crowds every game,” Arsh says warmly.

Coach Jack Casey receives special praise from his senior setter. “Coach Casey has been one of the most supportive individuals in my growth as a setter these past 4 years,” Arsh shares. Beyond technical coaching, Casey dedicates countless hours to game preparation, reviewing film and developing strategies while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Arsh appreciates how Coach Casey “always has a joke ready to crack during timeout huddles in intense games or during practices,” ensuring players stay relaxed and focused.

As Hillsborough prepares for tournament play, Arsh recognizes their greatest challenge: “Our team’s biggest barrier as we know and talk about time and time again is starting off strong.” Despite their current success, the Raiders know that slow starts could prove costly in elimination scenarios.

After graduation, Arsh will attend Rutgers University for Computer Engineering. While not committed to the NCAA team, he plans to continue his volleyball career at the collegiate club level.

In the Skyland Conference, Arsh identifies Bridgewater-Raritan as their toughest competitor. Though Hillsborough has defeated the Panthers twice this season, each match has been fiercely contested. He also acknowledges that every conference opponent, from Hunterdon Central to Ridge to Watchung Hills, presents a unique challenge.

What makes the Hillsborough volleyball story so compelling isn’t just the wins and statistics. It’s the human journey of growth, perseverance, and connection. From a freshman recovering from knee surgery to a senior orchestrating one of New Jersey’s most dynamic offenses, Arsh Trivedi’s volleyball career illustrates how passion, dedication, and teamwork can transform setbacks into stepping stones.

As the Raiders enter tournament play riding their 15-game winning streak, they carry with them valuable lessons that transcend athletics: accountability creates opportunity; chemistry amplifies talent; and with proper support, determination, and focus, remarkable turnarounds are always possible.

The scoreboard will eventually record the final outcomes of their season, but the real victory has already been secured in the character developed and relationships formed through this unforgettable journey from struggle to success.