Northridge’s Urcan Makes a Big Leap Off the Bench

After standing next to the Cal State Northridge bench with the rest of the reserves last season, Gene Urcan is making the most of his opportunities on the volleyball court this summer. Urcan helped the United States win a bronze medal in the Maccabiah Games in Israel and he earned a starting role on the West team in the U.S. Olympic Festival.

“That gave me a big confidence boost,” said Urcan, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter from Chatsworth High. “Since high school, my coaches have told me that I have a good work ethic and this summer I’ve just been training, training, training for the festival and for next season. I plan to bring Northridge to another final four.”

In the second-round match against the North, Urcan hit .588 with 10 kills and demonstrated his newfound abilities to hit to open spots on the court and vary the speed of his attacks. The key is a higher vertical jump developed on the leaper machine and in the weight room.

“Now I can see the block better,” Urcan said.

Urcan’s play was singled out in a flyer handed out to the 4,500 fans who attended Saturday’s bronze- and gold-medal matches at the Olympic Festival.

Urcan’s play in Israel attracted the attention of Tel Aviv Maccabiah, a professional team that offered him a $25,000 contract. Urcan turned down the offer to return to Northridge for his sophomore season.