7 Shocking Facts About Downstate Juniors Volleyball Club's Elite 2024-2025 Season And College Pipeline
The Downstate Juniors Volleyball Club (DJVBC), a powerhouse in the Garden Empire Volleyball Association (GEVA) region, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring Junior Olympic athletes in the New York area. As of December 19, 2025, the club is already setting the stage for its 2025-2026 season, building on a highly successful 2024 campaign that saw significant national recognition and a stellar list of college commitments. This article dives deep into the latest achievements, the rigorous training philosophy, and the key figures driving the club's success.
Operating primarily out of the state-of-the-art Downstate Athletic Center in Peekskill, NY, the club's mission extends beyond simply creating better volleyball players; it is fundamentally about shaping individuals. Their dedication to holistic athlete development and a proven college recruiting track record makes DJVBC a focal point for families seeking the highest level of junior volleyball training in the Northeast.
The Downstate Juniors VBC College Commitment Class of 2024
Downstate Juniors VBC is renowned for its commitment to guiding athletes through the complex college recruiting process, a service that includes hosting multiple information sessions and providing individual guidance. The 2024 graduating class saw a remarkable number of players commit to top-tier collegiate programs across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, showcasing the club's ability to develop talent for all levels of play. The club’s pipeline is a testament to the quality of training provided by coaches who have successfully passed USA Volleyball IMPACT training and possess extensive experience.
- Jaida Cekic: Committed to Dartmouth College, an NCAA Division I program, representing a major academic and athletic placement from Horace Greeley High School.
- Izzy Picard: Headed to the United States Naval Academy, also an NCAA Division I school, highlighting the commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
- Sequoia Layne: Committed to Boston College, a high-profile NCAA Division I program, where she is listed as an Outside Hitter (OH), Middle Blocker (MB), or Right Side (RS).
- Olivia King: Joined the SUNY Delhi roster as a Defensive Specialist (DS), coming from Ardsley High School.
- Priscilla: Committed to the Oswego Lakers women’s volleyball team for the 2024 season, another strong NCAA Division III placement.
Beyond the 2024 class, the club boasts a strong alumni network, with 22 former players currently on the rosters of 20 different colleges and universities, including Arrington Carr at Springfield College and Chloe Snyder at Bowdoin, demonstrating a sustained record of success.
The 2024 Season's National Achievement: The AVCA Winners Circle
The 2024 club season was capped by a significant national honor that underscored the competitive strength of Downstate’s teams. The club's commitment to high-level competition paid off with a major award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Downstate 16 Black Earns Elite Status
The Downstate 16 Black girls’ team was recognized as a 2024 AVCA Winners Circle Club Team. This prestigious award is given to club teams across all age groups that demonstrate exceptional performance throughout the season, typically by winning a high percentage of their matches or securing a major tournament victory. This achievement places the 16 Black team, coached by Matthew Cochenour, among the elite junior volleyball programs in the nation and serves as a powerful indicator of the club's superior training and competitive preparation.
Inside the Downstate Juniors Training Philosophy and Facilities
What truly sets Downstate Juniors VBC apart is its holistic and structured approach to athlete development. The club operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, focusing on the development and training of Junior Olympic athletes.
The Dual-Focus Training Model
The club’s training philosophy is meticulously structured to maximize both team synergy and individual skill refinement. Regional teams, for instance, typically practice three nights per week.
- Weekday Practices: These sessions are primarily focused on intensive team training, simulating game scenarios, and developing complex offensive and defensive systems.
- Sunday Practices: These are reserved specifically for positional skill training, allowing athletes to focus on the technical nuances required for their specific roles, such as Setter, Libero, Middle Blocker, or Outside Hitter.
This dual-focus model ensures that players are both fundamentally sound in their position and seamlessly integrated into the team's overall strategy. The club emphasizes that its mission is to "help shape, not solely better volleyball players, but individuals as a whole," a guiding principle that informs their coaching style and mentorship.
The Downstate Athletic Center and Regional Expansion
The club's home base is the Downstate Athletic Center, located at 8 John Walsh Blvd in Peekskill, NY. This dedicated facility provides the resources necessary for year-round, high-intensity training. To better serve the wider Hudson Valley region, Downstate Juniors VBC has also expanded its reach with Downstate North, which began in 2020 at Gold's Gym in LaGrange, NY, and has since expanded to the YMCA in Kingston, NY. This expansion allows more athletes access to their high-quality programs, including their popular Youth Rec League offered in the spring and fall.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Leadership for the 2025-2026 Season
The club is always forward-looking, and planning is already underway for the next competitive cycle. The latest information confirms that the Downstate Juniors VBC is preparing for its 2025-2026 season tryouts, a critical period for team formation.
Crucial Tryout Information
Prospective athletes and parents should note the following updated timeline for the upcoming season:
- High School-Aged Students: Tryouts are scheduled to begin in mid-August 2025.
- Younger Athletes: Tryouts for non-high school-aged students will commence in late September 2025.
- Specific Date: One confirmed GEVA-approved tryout date is Sunday, August 10, 2025.
These early tryout dates are standard for competitive junior volleyball clubs within the GEVA region and are essential for securing a spot on one of the club's highly sought-after National or Regional teams.
The Leadership Team
The continued success of DJVBC is driven by its experienced leadership and coaching staff. Key figures include:
- Daniel Altro: Director of the Downstate Athletic Center.
- Matthew Cochenour: Club Director, who also coached the nationally recognized Downstate 16 Black team.
- Dennis Adams: A long-serving coach who has been with the club since 2007, shortly after the Peekskill facility opened.
- Allison Regan: Assistant Coach and Facilities Coordinator, bringing collegiate coaching experience from Drew University and Keystone.
The combined experience of this staff ensures that the club maintains its high standards for athlete development, competitive performance, and college placement, making Downstate Juniors VBC a dominant force in the Northeast’s junior volleyball landscape.
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