For the first time in its history, Lincoln University will be represented in the National Tertiary Volleyball Championships as a newly formed men’s team travels to Porirua to compete at Te Rauparaha Arena over the weekend of 5–6 July. But this isn't just a sporting debut — it's the culmination of one student's vision to build something lasting.

That student is Jitesh Kumar, a postgraduate studying towards a Master of Business, and the driving force behind the formation of Lincoln’s inaugural men’s volleyball team.

“As I entered my final year, I wanted to leave something behind more than just my assignments and test scores,” Jitesh says. “I’ve always been an active and competitive person, so when I saw a post from Kathy (LU Sport staff member) about starting a new sports team, I knew this was the moment.”

What began as casual volleyball sessions quickly gained momentum and as more students showed up each week, the level of play improved, and interest beyond social games grew. Among those who joined early on was Jamie Julian, a New Zealand representative and sports scholar, whose experience added a new level of intensity and aspiration to the squad.

“Once I saw we had enough talent and commitment to form a men’s team, we sat down and built a structure,” Jitesh explains. “Proper training schedules, trial sessions, social nights to keep the community vibe alive. We even held open trials to uncover hidden gems — students who were quietly skilled and hungry for an opportunity.”

The result is more than just a team — it’s now Lincoln University’s first official volleyball club, with a vision that stretches well beyond this season. “We don’t want this to be a one-year story,” says Jitesh. “We want this to be the first chapter of a legacy future students can continue and be proud of.”

While volleyball has brought success on the court, its impact has also been deeply personal for Jitesh and his teammates.

“Volleyball has added purpose, connection, and a lot of joy to my university experience,” he says. “On tough days, it has become the release I need. On good days, it has become a celebration.”

Establishment of the team has created a space where students from different backgrounds can come together, forming new friendships. That sense of connection is reflected in the three words Jitesh uses to describe his team: Tenacious, Visionary, Whānau.

“We’re tenacious because we’ve built this team from nothing but a post. We’re visionary because we’re thinking beyond just this tournament. And we’re whānau — because at the core of it all, we’re more than just a team.”

As the team prepares to take the court at the National Tertiary Volleyball Championships, they are under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“We know we’re the new kids on the block — no legacy, no expectations,” Jitesh says. “But we’re not just going to show up and smile. We’re there to compete, to prove we belong.”

While winning would be the dream, the team is also focused on laying the foundation for future generations of Lincoln volleyball players.

“This is Lincoln’s debut, and we want to make it count — not just in terms of performance, but in setting a standard and culture. That’s what we want to show.”

For Jitesh, the most exciting moment won’t come from scoring a point or even winning a game. It’ll be that first walk into the arena wearing Lincoln colours, standing shoulder to shoulder with his teammates, knowing that they’ve already made history.

“Most of us have never played at this level before. We’re not a polished squad that’s trained for years — we’re students who showed up, put in the work, and built something from scratch,” he says.

“So yeah, I’m looking forward to walking into that gym and feeling nervous as hell. To hearing the crowd. To looking at each other and going, we’re actually playing for our university at a national championship.”

No matter the outcome, Lincoln University’s presence at this year’s championships will mark a proud and significant moment — one powered by student initiative, united spirit, and the belief that sometimes, legacy begins with a single idea and the courage to see it through.

Keep up with their progress at the National Tertiary Volleyball Championships by following us on social media, and tuning into the event live stream via UTSNZ TV.