Impact returners:
Fabio Calesso is a 6’3 Outside Hitter from Italy and is the only returning starter from the 2011 Corsair team. His experience will be counted on, as the 2012 team will need steady and consistent play from him.
Roy Tsang is a 6’2 Setter from Hong Kong who redshirted for the 2011 team. He is a talented player who will be pushed hard by the coaching staff to reach his potential. If he reaches his potential he’ll be among the best setters in the state.
Impact Newcomers:
Charlie Schmittdiel is a 6’5 opposite hitter from Santa Monica High School. He is a true freshman but comes in with high-level experience from his high school and club career. Charlie will need to provide a significant portion of the Corsair offense this season. He is a threat in all six rotations and from behind the service line.
Jason Mallek is a 6’7 middle blocker from Bishop Montgomery High School. He is a true freshman and has already made significant gains in the gym. Jason is a good blocker and is steadily improving as an attacker.
Connor Corgiat is a 6’2 outside hitter from Carlsbad High School. He transferred to SMC from Grossmont College where he played for the Griffins. Connor will be expected to provide consistency in serve receive and will be relied upon to carry a big part of the offensive load.
Competition in Conference:
The Western State Conference is typically the toughest conference in the state. In the past 12 seasons 9 of the state champions have come from the WSC. In recent history Long Beach City College has been king. In the past 8 years LBCC has won every conference title but one, that one going to the 2008 Corsairs. The rest of the league is strong as well; Santa Barbara, Pierce, Moorpark, and El Camino all have the ability to win conference. It should be an exciting fight for the conference crown.
New Assistant Coach:
The 2012 Corsairs are excited to announce that Dhiraj Coats will be a member of the coaching staff. Dhiraj brings an impressive resume to SMC. In his junior college playing career he won 2 state championships and was voted MVP of the state in 2001 when he led Pierce to a 19-0 season. From Pierce he went on to play at Pepperdine where he started at libero for the Waves who were ranked #1 most of the season and were eventually beaten in the Final Four. The 2012 Corsairs are excited to have Dhiraj’s competitive and successful energy in the gym.