Four years.

Outside of unique medical circumstances, NCAA student-athletes receive only four years of athletic eligibility.

But due to the once-in-a-lifetime COVID-19 pandemic, Jason Siriban became a six-year letter winner for the Long Island Campus men’s volleyball team.

“I feel incredibly lucky to play for six years here,” said Siriban, who graduated with an M.S. in Cyber Security in May. “Most student-athletes could only dream about doing that.”

Recruited by head coach Bill Kropp for the program’s second-ever season in 2018, Siriban retained two years of eligibility after an NCAA ruling compensated student-athletes whose 2020 seasons were abruptly cut short. 

Siriban triggered those bonus seasons while pursuing a master’s degree, and in April 2023, he and the Golden Eagles won their fourth Skyline Conference championship. 

A Coach’s Dream

Kropp coached Siriban at the youth level and knew all about the quality of character he’d bring to a newly established program when he recruited him.

“Jason is a coach’s dream,” said Kropp, whose leadership and vision have transformed St. Joseph’s into a nationally recognized program. “His versatility is a testament to his all-around skill. There’s nothing he can’t do on a volleyball court.”

Siriban played virtually every position for Kropp during his six-year collegiate career. Recruited as an outside hitter, he served stints as the team’s primary setter, libero and right-side hitter.

“At a young age, my brother taught me how to play every position so I could help my team in any way,” Siriban said. “I would do anything Coach Kropp asked without hesitation because I was confident in my skills and would do anything to help my team succeed.”

Siriban’s extensive playing experience became an asset to the program as his career progressed. A calming presence and positive mentor, Kropp could count on Siriban to develop younger players.

“He came to practice every day wanting to get better. He was the best teammate. His quiet demeanor and positive attitude drew others to him, and he was a great role model for the five classes of freshmen he was here for,” Kropp remarked.

A Serial Winner

Siriban holds the unique distinction of being the only member of the men’s volleyball program to have played a part in all four championship seasons. 

He was a freshman when Kropp’s men won their first-ever conference title in 2018 and served as a versatile role player when the team won a second-straight championship in 2019.

Siriban was Kropp’s primary setter in 2020 and led the conference in assists-per-set when the pandemic abruptly ended the season. 

“Losing our season to COVID-19 solidified my decision to return for my master’s because I didn’t want my season to end like that,” said Siriban. “At the time, we didn’t know if we would play the following year, either.”

SJNY lost in the conference final in an abbreviated 2021 campaign but rebounded in 2022 with a record-breaking season. Siriban played in 28 matches, and the Golden Eagles posted a program-high 26 wins and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Siriban appeared in a career-best 30 contests in his sixth and final season. On April 15, 2023, he and his teammates lifted the Skyline championship trophy for a fourth time. 

He’d seen a lot since the program’s first triumph in 2018. 

“The team changed dramatically since I arrived, but we always improved,” he said. “We got better and stronger each year, and we grew closer as friends. That means so much to me.”