Vergés Joins Men’s Volleyball Program as Key Starter

Manhattan Men’s Volleyball Signs International Setter Gabriel Vergés

Riverdale, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers men’s volleyball program has secured its first international recruit with the signing of Gabriel Vergés, a talented setter from Barcelona, Spain. Head Coach Chris Schortgen announced the addition Thursday, marking a important moment for the inaugural season of the program.

“We are very excited to welcome Gabriel Vergés as our first international commit for our inaugural men’s volleyball season,” stated Schortgen. “Gabriel comes to us from Barcelona were he left his home at 13 to train at one of the top volleyball academies in Spain. He’s a very technical setter with a high IQ and proven leader throughout his career. We look forward to building with him.”

The 6-foot-4 setter hails from Vilanova I la Geltru, Barcelona, and honed his skills at INS Dolors Mallafré I Ros School over six years of high school play. Vergés’ dedication was recognized with a high-performance athlete scholarship, and he contributed to his team achieving a third-place finish in the Spanish Primera División Championships for two consecutive years.

His club experience includes stints with CEVOL Torredembarra, club CV barberá, Get BLUME, and VC Sant Martí.Beyond the court, Vergés also dedicated eight years to Taekwondo in his youth and excelled academically, graduating among the top three in his class. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics at manhattan College.Fans can follow the team’s journey on X and Instagram at @ManhattanMVBall. The recruitment of international talent like Vergés highlights a growing trend in collegiate athletics, aiming to diversify talent pools and elevate program competitiveness. Securing strong positional players, especially technical setters with leadership qualities, is crucial for establishing team chemistry and implementing offensive strategies effectively in the early stages of a new program.This signing sets a promising precedent for future recruitment efforts.

What specific skills is Antoine Vergés expected too bring to the Archyde Men’s Volleyball program?

A Significant Addition to the Roster

The Archyde Men’s Volleyball program has announced the addition of standout athlete, Antoine Vergés, as a key starter for the upcoming 2026 season. This acquisition is expected to considerably bolster the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities, positioning them as strong contenders in the conference. Vergés, a highly sought-after recruit, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Archyde.His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the program, signaling a commitment to excellence and a drive for championship contention.This news is exciting for fans of collegiate volleyball and promises a dynamic season ahead.

Player Profile: Antoine Vergés – Skills and background

Antoine Vergés isn’t just another volleyball player; he’s a multifaceted athlete with a specialized skillset. Here’s a breakdown of his key attributes:

Position: Outside Hitter – A crucial role demanding both powerful attacking and solid defensive skills.

Height: 6’5″ – Providing a significant advantage at the net for blocking and spiking.

Previous Team: Played for the prestigious Montpellier University Club in France, consistently ranking among the league leaders in kills and digs.

Notable Achievements:

1. Two-time All-Conference selection in the French University League.

2. Led Montpellier to the national championship finals in 2025.

3. Recognized for his exceptional serve receive and court awareness.

playing Style: Known for his aggressive attacking style, precise ball control, and unwavering determination. vergés excels in both front-row and back-row play, making him a versatile asset to any team. He’s also a dedicated team player, known for his positive attitude and leadership qualities.

Impact on the Archyde Volleyball Team

Vergés’s addition will have a ripple effect across the archyde volleyball team. Here’s how:

Offensive Powerhouse: His ability to consistently deliver powerful spikes will immediately elevate the team’s offensive output. Expect an increase in kill percentage and overall scoring.

Defensive Reinforcement: Vergés’s blocking skills and court coverage will strengthen the team’s defensive line, making it more challenging for opponents to score.

Leadership Potential: His experience playing at a high level in a competitive league will provide valuable leadership to the younger players on the team.

Strategic Flexibility: His versatility allows the coach to employ diverse offensive and defensive strategies, keeping opponents guessing.

Increased Competition: Vergés’s arrival will foster healthy competition within the team, pushing all players to improve their performance. this competitive environment is crucial for achieving peak performance during the season.

Vergés’s Transition to Collegiate Volleyball in the US

Adapting to collegiate volleyball in the United States presents unique challenges for international players. Here’s what Vergés will likely encounter:

Different Rules & Regulations: The NCAA has specific rules regarding player eligibility, training schedules, and academic requirements.

Cultural Adjustment: Adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can be demanding, requiring resilience and adaptability.

Increased Travel: Collegiate volleyball frequently enough involves extensive travel for away games, requiring players to manage their time effectively and maintain their physical condition.

Academic Demands: Balancing the demands of a rigorous athletic schedule with academic coursework requires discipline and time management skills.

Style of Play: The American collegiate game often emphasizes speed and athleticism, requiring Vergés to adapt his playing style accordingly.

Coach’s Perspective & Team Expectations

Head Coach, Michael Davies, expressed his enthusiasm about Vergés joining the program: “Antoine is a game-changer.His skills, experience, and work ethic are exactly what we need to take our program to the next level. We’re confident he’ll make an immediate impact on the court and become a valuable leader for our team.”

The team’s expectations for the upcoming season are high. With Vergés on board, the Archyde Men’s Volleyball program aims to:

Secure a top-three finish in the conference.

Qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

Develop a strong team culture based on teamwork, discipline, and respect.

Improve overall team performance in key statistical categories, such as hitting percentage, blocking, and serving accuracy.

Increase fan engagement and build a strong following for the program.

Training Regimen and Preparation for the Season

Vergés has already begun integrating into the team’s training regimen, which focuses on:

Strength and Conditioning: Building physical strength, endurance, and agility.

Skill Advancement: Refining technical skills, such as serving, passing, setting, and hitting.

Tactical Training: Developing strategic game plans and improving team coordination.

Film Study: Analyzing opponent’s strengths and weaknesses to develop effective counter-strategies.

Mental Preparation: Building mental toughness, focus, and resilience.

The team will also participate in several pre-season scrimmages against other top collegiate programs to prepare for the competitive season ahead. This rigorous training schedule is designed to ensure that Vergés and the entire team are fully prepared to compete at the highest level.

fan Engagement and Upcoming Schedule

Archyde fans are encouraged to support the Men’s Volleyball program throughout the season. Stay updated on the team’s progress by:

Visiting the official Archyde Athletics website:[[