SUNY New Paltz first-year outside hitter Nikko Tenedorio was named the 2025 American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Men's Volleyball Newcomer of the Year in conjunction with the All-America honorees on Monday, April 21.

Tenedorio joins two other Hawks to be named as the AVCA Newcomer of the Year in alums Steven Woessner and Tim Ferriter, who earned the honor in back-to-back years in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The accolade caps a tremendous freshman season for the Bay Shore, NY native. He became the focal point of the offense for SUNY New Paltz as he was its top offensive threat while also playing a full rotation to lead the team in nearly every statistical category, including points (393.5) points per set (3.78), kills (328), kills per set (3.15), aces (34), digs (176) and digs per set (1.69). He also posted 53 blocks on the year with 28 assists, while hitting .268 on a team-most 708 attempts as he appeared in a team-high 104 sets, starting in 26 of 27 matches he appeared in.
 
The All-America recognition comes off the heels of Tenedorio also being named as the AVCA Region II Newcomer of the Year and earning a spot on the All-Region II team. He was also named as the United Volleyball Conference Rookie of the Year and Second-Team All-UVC after securing UVC Rookie of the Week five teams on the year, while also garnering a spot on the UVC All-Tournament Team.
 
During the postseason, Tenedorio posted 23 kills, four aces, 16 digs and five blocks, while playing in all nine sets during the first-round matchup against St. John Fisher and top-seeded NYU in the semifinal.
 
Against top-20 competition this past spring, Tenedorio competed in 67 sets through 16 matches and averaged 3.22 kills and 3.278 points per set while hitting .246 with 17 aces.

ABOUT THE UNITED VOLLEYBALL CONFERENCE
The members of the United Volleyball Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. For more on the UVC visit www.theuvc.org.