Huntington’s Caleb Palermo Commits to Scranton Volleyball

Huntington senior Caleb M. Palermo was one of the key figures who advocated for reinstatement of the Blue Devil varsity boys’ volleyball program and his sharp play helped get the team off the ground. Now he’s set to do the same at the University of Scranton, which just established its first ever men’s volleyball program.

“My experience at Huntington UFSD from Washington Primary, Jack Abrams STEM, Finley and now Huntington High School has been truly fulfilling,” Mr. Palermo said. “Throughout all the years I’ve been in the district, my teachers have walked beside me and taught me a lot even outside of the classroom. I’m incredibly thankful for their dedication and commitment towards my educational growth. I’ve also built a strong and supportive community around me. Alongside my amazing family, I also have great friends and classmates that push me to be the best version of myself. Being involved with Natural Helpers and National Honor Society has given me the opportunity to give back to the community that has been a substantial part of my life, not only educational but personally.”

Scranton has named Huy Nguyen as the first head coach in the history of its men's volleyball program. The Royals are set to begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year. Nguyen brings a strong background in program development at both the collegiate and high school levels. He revitalized the Penn State Wilkes-Barre women's volleyball program, growing the roster from one student-athlete to 12 and leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 10 years. He is also the founder of Dub City Sports, expanding the club from one team to three within three years, and currently oversees both the boys' and girls' volleyball programs at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.

The star of Huntington’s reestablished boys’ volleyball program, Mr. Palermo was named to the All Division team after a fabulous fall season that including 217 kills, 48 blocks, 35 aces and 157 digs. “Caleb was the captain of team and incredible role to all his teammates,” head coach Eric Mininni said.

“Mr. Mininni has been extraordinary,” Mr. Palermo said. “Ever since we met at Washington Primary School he’s poured into me both as a student and as an athlete. I’ve worked with him closely over the past five years,  not only as a team captain for both Finley and the high school, but as an unofficial assistant coach for Finley as well. I came back every year to help out Mr. Mininni and the boys’ volleyball team. It’s truly been an honor working alongside him these past five years and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Mr. Palermo is a great student, too, compiling a 97 weighted academic grade average during the recent marking period. He committed to the University of Scranton and its men’s volleyball program during the recent spring break.

“They just set up the program and the college Class of 2030 will be the first students to play volleyball for all four years,” Mr. Palermo said. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m so excited.”

Men’s volleyball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with 132 NCAA Division III institutions sponsoring the sport and more than 60,000 high school student-athletes competing nationwide. Scranton is set to begin play alongside fellow Landmark Conference member Lycoming College, helping the conference reach six teams and officially sponsor the sport. Home matches will be played at the John Long Center on Scranton's campus.

“I will be majoring in kinesiology at the University of Scranton as well as pursuing my PhD in physical therapy at Scranton,” Mr. Palermo said.