Photo by: Heidi Eligio
CSUN Men's Volleyball Adds Five For 2024 Season
8/12/2023 5:08:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Head coach Theo Edwards and CSUN Men's Volleyball have announced that five newcomers will join the Matadors for the 2024 season.
The group of five student-athletes include Ben Cohen, Owen Douphner, Nir Eitan, Niall Finnegan and Hank Kaufman.
Cohen is a 5-9 libero from Roseville, Calif. He prepped at Woodcreek High School where he was a first team All-Capital Valley Conference selection all four years for the Timberwolves.Â
"Ben Cohen is a talented libero from Northern California where he played for Bay to Bay Volleyball club," said Edwards. "Ben is a passionate volleyball player who defense is second to none. His work ethic sets him apart from others in his position and I have no doubt he will have an instant impact on our team."
Douphner is a 6-7 setter from nearby Stevenson Ranch, Calif., who prepped at Hart High School in Newhall. He was named an AVCA All-American in 2023 after earning first team all-league honors in 2022 and second team accolades in 2021.
"Owen comes to us from Hart High school and SC Legends Volleyball Club," said Edwards. "He is an All-American and a CIF player of the year so, his volleyball resume speaks for itself. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the setting position and we are always excited to land volleyball talent born and trained right in our backyard."
Eitan is a 6-6 middle blocker from Tel Mond, Israel. He was a member of the team that won the Israel High School Championship in 2019.
"Nir is an outstanding Middle blocker from Tel Mond, Israel," said Edwards. "He brings a plethora of volleyball experience to CSUN. His work ethic, character, and professionalism are world class. And I have no doubt Nir will contribute to the success of our team right away."
Finnegan is a 6-6 middle blocker from Burlingame High School via Orange Coast College. The Pirates won the CCCAA State Championship in 2023, finishing the season with an 18-3 record.
"Niall is a Northern California native who come to us from Orange Coast College," said Edwards. "He played a valuable role for OCC in their back to back state championships and has had a ton of individual success under Coach Travis Turner. He is a great addition to our roster and helps our team get better right away."
Kaufman is a 6-5 outside hitter from Santa Clarita and Hart High School. A teammate of Douphner, Kaufman was a first team All-CIF selection as a senior in 2023 and also garnered All-Foothill League honors.
"I am really exited about Hank Kaufman," said Edwards. "He's another Hart High School standout, who helped guide hart to a league championship and CIF title, the best finish for the school in over 30 years! Hank is a great athlete with an even better work ethic. I look forward to him doing some big things for our program."
#GoMatadors
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The group of five student-athletes include Ben Cohen, Owen Douphner, Nir Eitan, Niall Finnegan and Hank Kaufman.
Cohen is a 5-9 libero from Roseville, Calif. He prepped at Woodcreek High School where he was a first team All-Capital Valley Conference selection all four years for the Timberwolves.Â
"Ben Cohen is a talented libero from Northern California where he played for Bay to Bay Volleyball club," said Edwards. "Ben is a passionate volleyball player who defense is second to none. His work ethic sets him apart from others in his position and I have no doubt he will have an instant impact on our team."
Douphner is a 6-7 setter from nearby Stevenson Ranch, Calif., who prepped at Hart High School in Newhall. He was named an AVCA All-American in 2023 after earning first team all-league honors in 2022 and second team accolades in 2021."Owen comes to us from Hart High school and SC Legends Volleyball Club," said Edwards. "He is an All-American and a CIF player of the year so, his volleyball resume speaks for itself. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the setting position and we are always excited to land volleyball talent born and trained right in our backyard."
Eitan is a 6-6 middle blocker from Tel Mond, Israel. He was a member of the team that won the Israel High School Championship in 2019."Nir is an outstanding Middle blocker from Tel Mond, Israel," said Edwards. "He brings a plethora of volleyball experience to CSUN. His work ethic, character, and professionalism are world class. And I have no doubt Nir will contribute to the success of our team right away."
Finnegan is a 6-6 middle blocker from Burlingame High School via Orange Coast College. The Pirates won the CCCAA State Championship in 2023, finishing the season with an 18-3 record."Niall is a Northern California native who come to us from Orange Coast College," said Edwards. "He played a valuable role for OCC in their back to back state championships and has had a ton of individual success under Coach Travis Turner. He is a great addition to our roster and helps our team get better right away."
Kaufman is a 6-5 outside hitter from Santa Clarita and Hart High School. A teammate of Douphner, Kaufman was a first team All-CIF selection as a senior in 2023 and also garnered All-Foothill League honors.
"I am really exited about Hank Kaufman," said Edwards. "He's another Hart High School standout, who helped guide hart to a league championship and CIF title, the best finish for the school in over 30 years! Hank is a great athlete with an even better work ethic. I look forward to him doing some big things for our program."
#GoMatadors
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