A big deal for a small school: Secaucus girls volleyball reaches 1,000 program wins

Dylan Caruso keeps 19 different yearbooks in his office.

These specific pieces of Secaucus High School history are just as important as the other, and Caruso - the Secaucus girls volleyball head coach - brings them out once a year when his squad starts practicing for the incoming season.

Perhaps appearing random, Caruso is following in the footsteps of the Patriot coaches before him to recognize, acknowledge, and remember the ever-amassing success on the hardwood.

Caruso ensures that his players know of the 19 state championship teams and the players who donned the red, white, and navy blue before them for one main reason. These former players and coaches, rich with talent and trophies, are all considered family.

Dating back to the school's first team in 1975, Secaucus has one of the strongest histories in New Jersey girls volleyball, competing in basketball uniforms and churning out a 2-12 record. The Patriots made an enormous jump one year later under legendary coach Maria Nolan, capturing an 11-3 record.

Now - almost five decades later - the Secaucus Patriots have joined an exclusive club among the all-time winningest programs, and did it together.

On Friday, Oct. 18, Secaucus clipped their 1,000th victory in a 25-13, 25-8 tally over a once-heated rival in Memorial to advance to the semifinal round of the Hudson County Tournament.

"I had that nervous butterfly feeling coming into this match," Caruso said. "But that feeling comes from excitement. You want to win here and do it for the amazing women coached this program before me."

These five coaches have combined for 19 state championships and 27 county titles, including one in 2023 under Caruso as the Patriots look to go back-to-back this fall. Secaucus is the No. 1 seed in this season's tournament.

Secaucus Volleyball Throughout the YearsHudson County Titles:

State Championships:

Tournament of Champions Appearances: 2005, 2006, 2014

Those five coaches still remain in contact. The connections appear unlimited, considering two of the former coaches played for Nolan (Ulrich Rivera, Aciz) and Roseing played for Ulrich Rivera.

Caruso's sister and current assistant, Kendall also played for Ulrich Rivera.

"It is quite indescribable the connection we have here at Secaucus," Caruso said. "As long as I have been around, I have been part of the family. Once you're in here, it's automatic. Everyone is so welcoming."

The Patriot roots run deep. That is why Caruso is so adamant towards his current squad - ranked No. 9 in the NJ.com Top 20 with a sparkling 20-0 record - ensures his unit fully appreciates this unique high school athletics experience.

"Secaucus volleyball has always been more than a team. It's been a family. I am very proud to be a part of this family," Nolan said. "It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and quality of play that this program has maintained a high level of play for 49 years regardless of its size. "

A powerhouse built on the foundation of family, Secaucus' standard has remained constant throughout the years.

Can they finish the 2024 season as the top small-school in the state? Entering Friday, the Patriots held the second-most power points among all teams in the Garden State.

Their championship goals are well-within reach.

"Dylan has done an amazing job with the resurgence of this program," Nolan said. "He deserves the recognition. The team being 20-0 and a Top 10 team in the state is a reflection of his knowledge and dedication to Secaucus volleyball. We are very lucky to have such quality leadership."