Thursday, October 1, 2026
The rebirth of Freeport’s boys’ volleyball varsity program is going quite well under the guidance of coach Gaetano Antonacci.
The Red Devils, who returned only two starters from last season when they competed solely at the JV level, improved to 6-5 with a sweep of Academy Charter on Oct. 13. They last fielded a varsity team in 2017.
“We wanted to test ourselves at the varsity level, especially the returning seniors,” Antonacci said. “We started last season with 12 kids and finished with 20. Interest is growing and the plan next season is to have both varsity and JV up and running at the same time.”
Offseason dedication has been a key to success, Antonacci said.
“In terms of record, it’s going better than expected,” he said. “We’ve had some quality wins and some tough losses. Prior to last fall, none of these kids played organized volleyball. A bunch of them went to volleyball camps this summer. It’s still a matter of gaining experience, not athletic ability.”
This season got off to an inauspicious start Sept. 14 when Freeport was swept by Valley Stream North, 18-25, 12-25, 23-25. However, two days later Antonacci’s team responded with a marathon 5-set victory at South Side, which is fielding its first-ever varsity squad this fall and stands 10-3 heading into this week’s action.
“Beating South Side was definitely the highlight of the year so far,” Antonacci said. “To see how strong South Side has been playing, that match showed what we’re capable of. It was also huge for our confidence after the opener didn’t go so well.”
The coach described senior Ethan Cairo, one of three captains, as “the pulse of the team.” Cairo is a returning starter in the middle and sparks the defense along with fellow senior captain Bryan Belizaire. “Ethan never gets too high or too low and is a big blocker and hitter for us,” Antonacci said. “He’s coachable and a leader.”
Cairo ranks second on the team in blocks and kills. Belizaire, who stands 6-foot-8, is one of the top blockers in Nassau averaging 12 per match. He’s also a vocal leader and positive influence, the coach noted. “Bryan worked so hard during the offseason and came back much improved,” Antonacci said.
On the outside, senior captain Christian John is a hard-hitting lefty with outstanding leaping and defensive ability. He averages 12 kills and 10 digs per match. “He didn’t play much last year but has natural talent,” Antonacci said.
Sophomore Johncarlo Rivera moved from outside hitter to setter and embraced the challenge, Antonacci said. “He’s very committed to volleyball and gets better and better as a setter every match,” the coach explained.
Leading the defense are senior libero Fabien Rodriguez, the most improved player on the roster according to Antonacci, and junior Erik Cruz. Other key pieces are sophomore Justin Salce, junior Marlon Teruel, and seniors Josue Bran, Jayden Easy, Dorian Trotman and Aidian Sasenarine.
Six matches remain and Freeport has a chance to finish second in Division 1C.
“These kids love the sport,” Antonacci said. “If they didn’t, we wouldn’t be where we’re at right now.”
