On Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2026, Joshua Tufuga announced his commitment to Elmira College for volleyball. As per a recommendation from Dan Ennis, Tufuga tried out for the high school volleyball team during his freshman year. Walking in with an open mind, the senior swiftly grasped the fundamentals of the sport.
“I started [playing volleyball] because I didn’t know what sport to do in the spring,” Tufuga told The Fanscotian. “Dan [Ennis] said I should try volleyball, because I jumped really high.”
Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private institution located in Elmira, New York. Elmira was the first college to grant women degrees that were equal to men’s. The Soaring Eagles compete in the United Volleyball Conference (UVC) in the NCAA at the Division III level.
“I chose Elmira because I enjoyed the school,” Tufuga said. “It has my degree plan, [and] the team and atmosphere [were] nice.”
A relatively new program, beginning in 2011, the Soaring Eagles have been very competitive since their inception. The team qualified for the UVC tournament in 2015 and 2018 while reaching 20 wins in four seasons and being nationally ranked No. 15 in 2015. Tufuga values the opportunity to compete and develop under Elmira’s system.
“Simply, I want to get better at all my skills [and] being able to do it for another four years is exciting,” Tufuga said.
The middle and opposite hitter accumulated 77 kills and 25 blocks last spring for the Raiders in his first season with an increased role on the varsity team. Despite his 5’8” frame, the senior has a 43-inch vertical, rising over the net to make an impact. Tufuga also contributed to the back-to-back junior varsity county championships the Raiders won in 2023 and 2024.
Fitting in well amongst an elite offensive scheme, Tufuga expressed a fondness for the driven nature of the SPF volleyball program.
“[It’s] a very competitive team, which I enjoy,” Tufuga said. “It’s been very nice to play here.”
Outside of town, Tufuga stayed devoted to improving his game with Sideout Sports Volleyball club. For his outstanding effort, he won the 2024-2025 Ironman award, being recognized for excellence in his athletic ability and character.
“Sideout Sports is a very good club that’s mainly for developing skills,” Tufuga said. “Every coach is willing to work with you. Whatever skill you want to work on, they’ll help you work on it.”
With the spring season almost underway, Tufuga is keen on returning to the court to make a lasting impression on the program.
“[Our] team goal is to win the state [tournament] as that is the biggest accomplishment. [My] personal goal is to continue getting better at my skills [as an] all-around player,” Tufuga said.
