Knee Problems Force Campbell Out of Volleyball

Jeff Campbell, an honorable-mention All-American last season for the Cal State Northridge volleyball team, said he will not return for his senior season because of chronic knee problems.

Campbell, a 6-foot, 7-inch, 215-pound middle blocker, told Northridge Coach John Price of his decision Wednesday night.

“I’m really disappointed, but it’s a decision I had to make,” Campbell said. “If my knees were OK, I’d be back.”

Campbell, the 1984 City Section Player of the Year at Chatsworth High, was a starter for UCLA his freshman year, but knee problems and subsequent grade problems forced him to transfer to Pierce College. He redshirted at Northridge in 1987 and played on the U. S. national team that took part in the World Games in Yugoslavia.

Last season, he led Northridge to a 15-19 record. The Matadors, who compete in the Division I Western Intercollegiate Volleyball Assn., fell one game short of qualifying for the playoffs.

“He’s by far the best player we had out there physically, but fortunately for us that’s our deepest position,” Price said. “Jeff showed me and the rest of the team the level it takes to be successful at this level. His imprint will be left on next year’s team whether he’s on it or not.”