by Erica Aguilar
Staff Writer
Competing among 34 non-scholarship colleges in America, senior Rob Sneider was selected All-America this summer, being the first male volleyball player ever to receive this award at the University of La Verne.
With the men’s volleyball team overall record being 5-21 last season, Sneider was nationally ranked 14th in leading kills per match.
“Our record didn’t reflect the team’s hard work, so the honor was something individually rewarding,” said Sneider.
Sneider played one of his most successful games all season against George Mason, making 37 kills in one match. The top record in the nation for leading kills.
“He led the team in 850 total attempts, 427 total kills, and a 308 hitting percentage,” said Coach Don Flora.
Being on the ULV men’s volleyball team for only one year, Sneider has worked hard for many years to reach the success he has achieved. He started playing on the junior varsity team nearly eight years ago at Arcadia High School and then went on to Long Beach City College, where he played for two years. He then transferred to ULV and was selected team captain, along with middle blocker Joel Harworth.
“I was elated because it shows that La Verne has garnered some respect nationally in the volleyball world,” said Flora.
Sneider, 22, was chosen as one out of six players from 34 small colleges. He was selected by Volleyball Magazine and the Asics committee.
“Last year was a growing season, a transitional season,” said Sneider. This season, there will be twelve new players, along with seven returning players from last season.
“Rob’s training and commitment to the game show that it is all worth it,” said Flora.
