Monday, November 10, 2025
Baldwin girls’ volleyball has made strides since Tuan Nguyen took over as coach in 2023 and is looking to make a bigger leap this fall.
The Bruins are off to a 6-0 start this season and are eyeing a playoff berth after just missing out on the postseason last year with a 12-4 record. Baldwin entered the season with big goals as the program undergoes a rebirth under Nguyen, who in his first season as coach guided the team to a 9-7 record following a 3-10 2022 season.
“We have a few core good players this year and we expect to do really well this season,” Nguyen said. “Our goal is to win the conference.”
Baldwin remained perfect on the young season with a sweep of Freeport last Friday by set scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 27-25. The Bruins have only dropped one set during their unbeaten start.
A veteran-laden starting lineup has guided the early season success led by senior outsider hitters Kennedy Thompson and Sabrah Folkes, who are both shining as outside hitters. Thompson recorded 18 kills in 3-0 win at Westbury on Sept. 17 with Folkes registering 11 digs in the sweep.
Senior middle blocker Gabrielle Vanterpool provides additional experience on and off the court. Vanterpool recorded four blocks in Baldwin’s 3-1 victory at Uniondale on Sept. 9.
“She has improved tremendously as a blocker since last year,” Nguyen said of Vanterpool.
Thompson and Folkes along with senior setter Mia Randazzo have provided strong on-court leadership as tri- captains. The trio has proved instrumental in spearheading a winning culture over the past two years.
“They're very supportive teammates and they show tremendous leadership ability,” Nguyen said of the captains.
Randazzo registered 23 assists in Baldwi’s dominating Westbury triumph by set scores of 25-5, 25-8 and 25-20. She also had 20 assists in the Uniondale win.
Sophomore libero Shelly Rivera is also an integral part of the lineup after earning a starting role at the end of her freshman season. Rivera registered 10 digs and three assists in the Freeport victory.
Junior Summer Hamilton and sophomore Jalaena Jorif are also producing this year as right side hitters. Jorif contributed seven digs in the Freeport win, which moved the Red Devils to 5-0 in Conference AAA2.
Baldwin will look to continue its winning play Thursday at Hicksville, who Nguyen expects to be contending for the conference title. The Bruins will visit East Meadow, another conference championship contender Sep. 29 for a 6:45 p.m. match.
After missing out on the playoffs by one win last season, Nguyen is looking to position his team to clinch a postseason spot well in advance of its regular season finale Oct. 28. The Bruins can clinch a playoff berth by placing in the top two of the conference.
“We are getting better every day,” Nguyen said, “We are in a good spot.”
