9/12/25

The talent pipeline from New Jersey high school volleyball continues to showcase itself across college programs nationwide, with former Garden State standouts making significant contributions at the Division I level. These individual success stories highlight the exceptional development and preparation that New Jersey high school programs provide their student-athletes as they compete at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball.

Kai Fitzpatrick – New Jersey City University

Kai Fitzpatrick has made an immediate and explosive impact as a junior outside hitter at New Jersey City University after graduating from Hillsborough High School. The 5-7 junior has already earned NJAC Player of the Week honors for September 1-7, 2025, after powering NJCU to a perfect 2-0 week with standout performances that included 39 kills and 22 digs across two matches. Her early season statistics are impressive, leading the NJAC in both kills per set (4.52) and points per set while maintaining a solid .282 hitting percentage through the first two weeks of competition.

Fitzpatrick’s versatility extends beyond offense, as evidenced by her 68 digs in just 21 sets played and 17 service aces. Her breakout performance came in a five-set victory over Cairn where she recorded 24 kills and 14 digs, followed by an efficient 15-kill performance on .619 hitting in a sweep of Pratt. The freshman’s ability to contribute across all statistical categories while maintaining consistent offensive production suggests she will be a cornerstone player for NJCU throughout her collegiate career.

Kate Louer – Stockton University

Kate Louer from Clifton High School has established herself as one of the premier outside hitters in NCAA Division III volleyball during her four-year career at Stockton University. The 5-9 senior has consistently elevated her game each season, culminating in AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and NJAC First Team recognition in 2024. Her career totals of 899 kills, 668 digs, and 84 total blocks across 95 matches demonstrate both her offensive prowess and all-around court awareness.

Louer’s 2024 season represented the peak of her collegiate development, as she averaged 2.74 kills per set while starting all 30 matches for the Ospreys. Her ability to perform in crucial moments was evident throughout her career, including a career-high 25 digs against Montclair State and multiple 16-kill performances during her senior campaign. The consistency of her production, combined with her academic achievements earning NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention recognition, exemplifies the complete student-athlete that New Jersey high school programs develop.

Ryan Gorski – DePaul University

Ryan Gorski transitioned from Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains to DePaul University, where the 5-10 freshman outside hitter is adapting to the rigorous demands of Big East Conference competition. Despite limited early-season opportunities with 20 sets played, Gorski brings impressive credentials from her high school career, including holding Union Catholic’s all-time digs record with 707 career digs and earning second team all-state honors as a senior.

Her high school achievements, which included winning the Union County championship in 2024 and earning first team all-conference recognition, demonstrate the defensive intensity and leadership qualities she brings to DePaul’s program. While her college statistics show the typical adjustment period for a freshman at the Division I level, her high school track record of excellence and her family’s athletic background (her older brother Hudson plays ice hockey at Cornell) suggest she has the foundation and support system to develop into a significant contributor for the Blue Demons.

Raina Hughes – University of Delaware

Raina Hughes represents a successful transfer story, bringing valuable experience from her three seasons at Syracuse to the University of Delaware program. The 6-1 graduate student from Williamstown High School in New Jersey compiled impressive credentials during her time in the ACC, including leading Syracuse in blocks (110) during her 2022 sophomore campaign where she started all 103 sets and averaged 1.07 blocks per set.

Hughes’ high school foundation at Williamstown was exceptional, as she led the school to the 2019 NJSIAA Group 4 State Championship and recorded 16 kills in the title match. Her club experience with East Coast Crush and Eastern Volleyball Academy provided additional development opportunities that translated to her college success. Now pursuing a graduate degree in Exercise Science at Delaware, Hughes brings both athletic experience and academic maturity to a program that can benefit from her blocking expertise and veteran leadership.

Lexy Caltabiano – West Chester University

Lexy Caltabiano from Gloucester County Institute of Technology has proven to be a reliable and consistent middle blocker throughout her college career at West Chester University. The 6-0 senior has accumulated 154 career kills and 26 total blocks while maintaining academic excellence with multiple NJAC All-Academic recognitions. Her progression from 42 kills as a newcomer to 100 kills during her 2023 season demonstrates steady development and adaptation to the college game.

Caltabiano’s versatility has been evident throughout her career with the Golden Rams, contributing not only as a middle blocker but also recording 162 career digs and 12 assists. Her ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories while maintaining a focus on academics reflects the well-rounded preparation she received at Gloucester County Institute of Technology. Her consistency over multiple seasons, including playing in 44 matches across her career, showcases the durability and reliability that makes her a valuable team contributor for West Chester.

Sara Griesbauer – Pace University

Sara Griesbauer made the transition from Saint Mary Rutherford High School in Hoboken to Pace University, where the 5-4 defensive specialist is making her mark as a freshman. She has shown early promise in her limited collegiate action, recording 7 digs in just 7 sets played while demonstrating the defensive intensity that helped her high school team capture a state championship during her senior year.

Her high school resume includes serving as team captain during both her junior and senior seasons, along with receiving the North Jersey Sportsmanship Award and maintaining second honors academically throughout her high school career. While still early in her college development at Pace, Griesbauer’s leadership experience and defensive skills provide a solid foundation for her continued growth as a collegiate player. Her background suggests she has the work ethic and character traits necessary to develop into a reliable contributor for the Setters program.

If you know other players from NJ high schools that should be included in our articles, let us know at njpowerranking.com.