Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream Central’s boys’ volleyball program enjoyed a meteoric rise a year ago, winning 16 matches including a first-round playoff battle with Long Beach.
The Eagles were eliminated by eventual state champion Massapequa, but brought back their entire starting lineup and more.
“Our success really motivated the kids to pick up where they left off,” VSC coach Kevin Mayer said. “Facing Long Beach and especially Massapequa in the playoffs was a great experience. They raised our level of play and we’d like to think with 13 seniors back we’re legitimate contenders this year.”
Central broke out of the gate with six straight victories, including five against Conference 1B rivals while losing just one set in the prcess.
“We’re staying humble,” Mayer said. “We know we’re not going to sneak up on anyone and they’ve got us circled on their schedules. We’re playing well so far, but the competition is strong and we’ve won some close sets.”
The offense runs through senior All-County setter Keith Gestopa, who keeps opponents guessing with his ability to distribute to all areas. He reached the 1,000 career assist milestone in September.
“Keith does a tremendous job of keeping us unpredictable,” Mayer said. “It’s his third year on varsity like a bunch of the guys and he’s a captain. It’s nice to have a setter who can get the ball anywhere it needs to go.”
Senior outside hitter Matthew Serrano is one of many beneficiaries of Gestopa talents. Mayer called Serrano last year’s unsung hero and the ultimate two-way player. “He leads our teams in kills with 75 and does a great job passing and serve receiving in the back row. He’s also an excellent leader.”
Serrano is another third-year contributor who was on the 2024 team that began to put the program on the map with a better-than-.500 finish. “Playing for the team has brought me so much joy,” he said. “What we have here at Central is truly something special that not many schools have, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.”
Senior Logan Autar is a tall and athletic middle hitter who earned All-Conference honors last season. He leads the way in blocks through six matches. “He hasn’t been playing volleyball too long but he’s progressively raised the level of his game,” Mayer said. Senior Jayden Coleman is another impactful piece in the middle who creates problems for opponents.
On the right side, senior Sean Shah ranks second on the team behind Serrano in kills and plays in the front and back rows. Junior outside hitter Jordan Yeh, the only non-senior in the main rotation, is another offensive weapon.
Central’s defense is spearheaded by senior libero Andre Ocava, who is looking to earn a third consecutive All-County award. It’s his fourth varsity season and he already has 75 digs. “He’s a standout and a big reason for the program’s rise,” Mayer said.
Staying sharp from the service line is one area Mayer is stressing.
“We’re putting a lot of emphasis on limiting service errors,” he said.
