By Katie Howerter
Staff Writer
The Sacred Heart University men’s volleyball team played 16 out of 25 games in their 2020 season until COVID-19 cut it short. Their record stands as 5-11 and 0-7 in conference play.
On March 9, senior Tim McIntosh was recognized as the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Defensive Player of the Week.
According to the EIVA volleyball website, he totaled 54 digs within the four contests. He is currently ranked second in the nation for total digs. McIntosh is also the NCAA Division I-II leader in digs per set.
McIntosh tried to maintain a positive mindset to set an example as a senior leader on the team.
“I lead my team in the way that I play and the way that I carry myself,” McIntosh said. “I work hard, I always give 100%, and I am reliable, and I have built trust in both my coaches and teammates so they know that they can count on me when I am needed.”
McIntosh, from Miami, is the libero and spent some time in his career as an outside hitter. He transferred as a junior from Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short.
McIntosh said, “It was definitely tough not getting to complete my senior season. I can dwell on the things that didn’t happen like having a senior day or knowing when my last match was going to be, but there were definitely some positives that came out of this season.”
According to Athletic Communications on player statistics, earlier in the season, McIntosh recorded a season best with 11 kills in a sweep against St. Joseph’s College, LI.
McIntosh finished his senior season with 43 kills and .120 hitting percentage. He went 4-0-5 for a .800 hitting percentage against North Park. Sacred Heart swept North Park 3-0, where McIntosh recorded a season best 20 digs.
“My attitude has been the biggest element that has led to my success,” McIntosh said. “I am very motivated to succeed both on and off the court because I know that in order to reach my goals, and I must work the hardest and be the best that I can be.”
The coaching staff has prepared McIntosh for this great achievement.
McIntosh said, “My coaches have prepared me by putting me in a leadership role. They place a lot of trust in me and want nothing but the best for me. They bring out the best in me and know what I am capable of accomplishing.”
Although the season came to an end, McIntosh reminisced about the good times with his team and his unforgettable experiences.
“My greatest memory of this season hands down was taking #9 Ranked Penn State to five sets,” McIntosh said. “We may have lost, but we showed not only ourselves but the rest of the country that we can compete with just about anyone.”
McIntosh said after he graduates from Sacred Heart, he plans to play volleyball at a professional level overseas.
For the team he leaves behind, McIntosh said, “Continue to work hard and continue to build the new culture of this team, and you guys know what you’re capable of.”
