NJIT Alumnus Alvaro Gimeno Signs Professional Contract to Play Volleyball in Spain

Former NJIT men's volleyball standout Alvaro Gimeno announced on Wednesday, June 23 that he has signed a contract to play professional volleyball for Rio Duero Soria volleyball club in Spain.

"At first I would like to thank NJIT, coaches, staff, athletes and teammates for making this experience exceptional and giving me the opportunity," said Gimeno.  "I am beyond excited to start my career as a professional volleyball player.  It is a moment in my life that I have been waiting for a very long time, and I will make sure I don't let this opportunity go."

A two-time AVCA All-American, four-time EIVA first-team and All-Academic team selectee, Gimeno concluded his collegiate career at NJIT with 990 kills (3.38kps), 396 digs (1.35dps), 176 total blocks (0.60) and 138 service aces.

This season, the AVCA second-team honoree, ranked 10th in the nation in aces per set and in the top four in four EIVA statistical categories -- kills per set (4th; 3.41), total kills (5rd; 218), hitting percentage (4th; .315) and service aces per set (2nd; 0.47).  

A two-time EIVA Player of the Week and OffTheBlock National Attacker of the Week one time, Gimeno recorded double-digit kills in 12 matches with a season-best 20 kills vs. then-ranked No. 4 Lewis. 

The 6-foot-9 outside hitter competed for the Spanish National team for the fourth straight summer at the 2021 Golden European League and placed third in their group.

Gimeno and the Spanish National team will return to practice in late July and prepare for the 2021 European Championships from September 1 to September 20, which will be held in four countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia and Finland. The number of national teams that will participate in the event remains to 24.