FLUSHING, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College star David Heyliger, Jr. was named to the eight-member 2025 CUNYAC Men's Volleyball Preseason Player to Watch list, announced Wednesday by the league office.

Returning to the court for the first time since the 2022 campaign, Heyliger, Jr. made an immediate impact, appearing in 69 sets across 21 matches during the 2024 season. Heyliger, Jr. set career-highs in several categories, leading the team with 308 points (4.46 per set), 263 kills (3.81 per set), 25 aces (0.36 per set), and 25 blocks (0.36 per set).  Additionally, Heyliger, Jr. recorded a career-best 142 digs, averaging 2.06 digs per set, further showcasing his all-around contributions that earned him a CUNYAC Men's Volleyball Player of the Week citation, as well as two CUNYAC Player of the Week Honorable Mentions during the season.

Featuring a solid mix of returners and newcomers, the Cardinals were selected to finish tied for seventh in the CUNYAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
 

2025 CUNYAC Preseason Men's Volleyball Coaches Poll

	Points (First-Place Votes)
1. Baruch College	47 (5)
2. Hunter College	44 (3)
3. John Jay College	37
4. Brooklyn  College	31
5. Lehman College	25
6. CCNY	20
T-7. York College	10
T-7. Medgar Evers College	10

Baruch College is the preseason favorite, garnering 47 total points and five first-place votes. Hunter College does not lag far behind with 44 points and three first-place nods. The Cardinals accumulated 10 total points. Their 14-match conference schedule commences on February 23 with a road battle against Baruch College.

The 2025 CUNYAC Championship will take place on April 7 (first round), April 10 (semifinals), and April 11 (finals), with the league champion receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament.

In addition to Heyliger, Jr., third-year coach Anthony Reyes returns regulars Ahmed Algendy, Vincent Agokei, Alexis Ramirez, George Molina, and Stanley Sanchez, along with several talented newcomers as the Cardinals build upon last season's momentum. 

The Cardinals open their campaign Saturday (Feb. 1) with a non-conference tri-match against the CCNY Beavers (0-0) and the Sarah Lawrence College Gryphons (2-2) starting at 1 p.m. inside Sarah Lawrence's Campbell Sports Center.

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