Yoshi Kumar embraced his role during his first season with the Benedictine University Mesa men’s volleyball program.

“I didn’t play as much as I would have liked to,” the 2022 Central Valley High School grad/6-foot-3 outside hitter said. “But I just wanted to help the team. My role was to make an impact during practice.”

Kumar appeared in seven matches for the Redhawks, who compiled a 27-4 overall record, finished first in the California Pacific Conference and advanced to the finals of the NAIA National Tournament.

“You want to do as much as you can for yourself and try to make your team better,” he said. “I was able to gain so much experience.”

Kumar totaled 14 kills, 13 digs, four blocks and two assists.

He set career-high marks in kills and digs in victories versus Pacific Union College.

He had six kills in a 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 31-29) win on March 5.

He collected five digs during Benedictine Mesa’s 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-19) triumph on March 18.

Kumar had one kill and one block while making his debut in a 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-20) victory over University of Saint Katherine on Feb. 18.

“It was an experience I’ve been waiting for,” he said. “I loved every moment when I stepped on the court.”

Kumar rooted from the sidelines during Benedictine Mesa’s 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-10) loss to Vanguard in the NAIA National Tournament Championship on April 15.

“I’m so happy we made the finals,” he said. “I’m sad that we didn’t win. It was so amazing being in that environment. Seeing the competition builds a fire in you. I want to become that good.”

Kumar’s transition from high school to college was challenging.

“It was a little rough in the beginning,” he said. “I got used to the competitiveness. I changed my mindset. Your mind has to be locked in. This is a job. No spot is safe. You’re fighting for everything.”

Kumar will strive to continue to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates.

“They push me to want to grow,” he said. 

Kumar is considering redshirting this upcoming season for health reasons.

He broke his right ankle during a car accident in April.

“I’ve never had an injury where I’ve had to put metal in my body,” he said. “The whole experience has been traumatizing. There’s still inflammation but not pain. My ankle is really stiff. I’ve been rehabbing and trying to gain some of my mobility back. If I’m in shape and my ankle is 100 percent ready to go, I might get the chance to play. I want to experience and learn more.”

Kumar earned five varsity letters during his prep athletic career at Central Valley High School, including three in basketball and two in volleyball.

He earned first-team all-Central California Conference honors for his outstanding play in volleyball as a senior and freshman. Central Valley didn’t field teams his junior and sophomore years due to a lack of interest.

He totaled 288 kills, 170 digs, 31 aces, 18 assists and 11 blocks as the Hawks posted a program-best 10-10 overall record and placed sixth in the 2022 CCC standings.

Kumar was named Central Valley’s CCC Male Scholar-Athlete Award recipient senior year.