Being part of an inaugural season for a team is a unique and special experience for any athlete. Former Norwin student-athlete Tim McCabe had that opportunity last year, as he was a key member of the Chatham University men’s volleyball team. Now a sophomore with the Cougars, McCabe is helping his squad embark on the first season in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). McCabe is under the microscope in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

During his time at Norwin, McCabe’s freshman volleyball campaign with the Knights in 2020 was wiped out because of COVID.

In 2021, however, he helped Norwin achieve a section record of 8-4, qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A postseason. The Knights bested Upper St. Clair in the opening round, but fell to powerhouse North Allegheny in the quarterfinals.

The following campaign, Norwin went 16-3 overall, including 11-1 in section play. The Knights knocked off Fox Chapel Area in the first round, but succumb to Shaler Area in the quarterfinals, concluding the campaign.

In McCabe’s senior season in 2023, he was recognized as a Second-Team All-Section performer at right side hitter. His play helped propel Norwin to a record of 14-6 overall, including 7-3 in the section. Back in the WPIAL postseason, the Knights ousted Peters Township, but fell to Canon-McMillan in the quarterfinals.

McCabe, who also was a member of the Norwin soccer team, opted to continue his athletic career on the volleyball court at Chatham University. Joining the Cougars as a right side hitter and middle blocker, he was on the inaugural team for the 2024 season. Playing in 20 matches, McCabe amassed 194 kills, 19 service aces, 77 digs, and 26 blocks. Playing an independent schedule, the Cougars went 6-14 overall.

This season, McCabe has participated in all eight matches, racking up 72 kills, four aces, 48 digs, and nine blocks. To this point, Chatham has posted a record of 3-5, and the Cougars will commence PAC action later this week.

Tim dedicated time from his schedule to respond to questions about his experience playing on Chatham’s inaugural men’s volleyball squad, his fondest high school memory, and the rule he’d change about college volleyball.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance thus far this season?

A: I think my performance this season has been gradually improving. I am still fairly new to volleyball, so I feel as if I learn something new every time I’m in the gym. I plan to continue to work hard and to learn more about the game.

Q: What are your best attributes as a player?

A: My height and vertical definitely help with blocking and achieving a high contact point, but I think being a lefty helps me the most. I think being a lefty catches a lot of opponents by surprise.

Q: What were the biggest adjustments from the high school to college game?

A: The college game is so much faster than high school. Whether it’s a hard jump serve, a quick shoot set to the pin, or even a big middle closing a block on the pin, everything feels dramatically sped up.

Q: Last year was the inaugural season for Chatham volleyball. What was unique about that experience?

A: It is incredible to be part of a first-year program. Being part of a team that was built from scratch is certainly difficult, especially when playing against programs that have been established for several years. Watching the team culture flourish from Year 1 to Year 2 has been an incredible experience, and I’m certain this program will continue to be successful for years to come.

Q: What team and individual goals have you established for this year?

A: The PAC championship is our team goal, without a doubt. In order to compete in the DIII National Championship, we have to win the PAC. Who doesn’t love an underdog story? A common theme from all of the personal goals I have set is striving for consistency in every aspect of the sport. Specifically, I’m working for a more consistent hitting percentage and jump serve. Most importantly, I want to give everything I can possibly offer to this team in order to see it succeed.

Q: The Cougars are part of the newly-formed men's volleyball conference in the PAC this season. What are the benefits of that?

A: I think the competition amongst the PAC is incredible, and any of these teams have a fair chance at the title. Competition this season will be gritty, and I look forward to every single game. Also, I think it’s really meaningful to be part of a new conference, especially during a time when men’s volleyball at the collegiate level is growing faster than it ever has before.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Chatham?

A: Coach Bortak is a great mentor. I have learned so much from him about the game in my time here at Chatham. The campus is beautiful, and the location is ideal. There’s so many great places to eat and shop around Squirrel Hill/Shadyside, and Oakland is 5-10 minutes down the road.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I am currently majoring in mathematics with a minor in data science. I love anything with numbers, so I hope to get into some type of statistical/analytical profession.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college course?

A: I really enjoyed my first-year writing class. English has never really been my strong suit, but my professor somehow got me to look forward to that class. Shoutout to Professor Pierce!

Q: What was your fondest memory at Norwin?

A: Being a dual-sport athlete in high school was an amazing experience. I was always surrounded by two amazing cultures with coaches who taught me so much. I have never seen someone who held more passion towards a sport than my soccer coach, Scott Schuchert. I owe a lot to him, despite my decision to stick with volleyball.

Q: Do you still follow Norwin athletics or the WPIAL?

A: Yes, I enjoy seeing how our teams do, and I love to catch the occasional volleyball game when I’m home.

Q: If you could change one rule about college volleyball, what would it be?

A: I would let liberos serve, since the only level of volleyball they aren’t allowed to serve in is college.

Q: If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you choose?

A I would choose to meet myself in the past, just so I could tell myself to start playing volleyball sooner.

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: Some solid advice would be: don’t be afraid to try new things, do what makes you happy, and go hit the gym more.