The Averett University men’s volleyball team honored their senior, Nicholas Breen, in a meaningful Senior Night matchup against Warren Wilson College, highlighting both his personal journey and his role in building the program from the ground up.
Playing on their home court made the night even more special, as the Cougars took time before the match to recognize Breen for his dedication to the program. As a member of Averett’s inaugural team, Breen has been part of the foundation of the program from the very beginning.“Being part of an inaugural team is a very unique opportunity… there is something special about being at the start of something and the beginning of a program’s history,” he said. Although he took his time deciding whether to join when the program first began, Breen said the past three years have made him grateful for that decision.
During his time with the Cougars, the program has seen significant changes, including three different head coaches in three seasons. While that brought challenges with consistency and roster changes, Breen emphasized the team’s growth. “It has almost felt like a different team entirely from one season to the next,” he said. “But still, I have been able to watch us grow stronger as a team, earn more wins, and become more competitive each year.”
Breen’s favorite memories show both the competitive spirit and family-like relationship within the team. He pointed to a tri-match in Washington, D.C., where Averett earned back-to-back wins as a standout moment. Off the court, team bonding experiences like bowling outings and playing Super Smash Bros. in the hotel helped build lasting friendships.
Having started volleyball only in his sophomore year, Breen’s growth as a player has been significant. “I’ve felt so much growth and I feel like I gain a whole new perspective and understanding of the sport each year,” he said. “Though I still have so much more to learn, I’ve really enjoyed expanding my experience with the sport and making it a much larger part of my life.”
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Breen kept it simple: “I think I would like people to just remember me as a team player with good sportsmanship and a good work ethic.”
Senior Night carried extra meaning for Breen, as he was the only player being recognized. “It meant a lot and really had kind of a special feeling since I was the only senior,” he said. “It’s crazy to think about how long I have played sports in school, and senior night reminded me of all the great friends and family who have supported and cheered me on along the way. I have been really grateful for the experience and am trying to enjoy every last second.”
As the Cougars continue to build their program, Breen’s contributions, both as a founding member and as a player, will leave a lasting mark on Averett University men’s volleyball.
