INDUCTION CEREMONY SPEECH

From 2007-10, A.J. Witkofsky became one of the most dominant forces in NCAA Division III men’s volleyball and established the Endicott program as a national power. Witkofsky’s 2,001 kills may forever stand as a team record as the 2,000-kill milestone has been achieved by only a limited number of players in NCAA history. The middle blocker’s 578 total blocks may also go unbroken. While leading Endicott to multiple postseason runs, including three North East Collegiate Volleyball Association Quarterfinal appearances, Witkofsky also compiled numerous accolades including two AVCA All-American Second Team awards, NECVA New England Player of the Year honors as a senior, and four All-Conference nods.

"I'm very excited and honored to represent the men's volleyball program in the Endicott Hall of Fame," said Witkofsky. "As a student-athlete, I watched the induction ceremony and thought how cool it would be to someday stand in front of the athletic department and be honored in the same way. Luckily for me, I had awesome teammates and coaches who put me in a position to be successful. I was very fortunate to play with those guys and be a part of some of the most accomplished teams in Endicott history." 

Academically, Witkofsky excelled as a physical education teacher licensure major. He appeared four times on the Endicott Academic Varsity Club which recognizes student-athletes with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and was also placed on the NECVA Academic All-Conference Team as a senior. 

"In the history of men’s volleyball here at Endicott, A.J. is arguably the most impactful player we’ve seen in that program," said Director of Athletics, Dr. Brian Wylie. "Opposing players and coaches alike feared A.J. and his ability to take over and impose his dominance in dictating the outcome of a match. It didn’t hurt that he was one of the most driven and merciless student-athletes in the history of the men's volleyball program."

Today, Witkofsky lives in Oakton, Va. and works as an elementary school physical education teacher. He still plays volleyball in the men's Premier Volleyball League (PVL) with Team LVC.