Short Volleyball Players Are Free to Play New Position

A smorgasbord of notes, quotes and opinions from across the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities:

For those teenagers who love to play volleyball in high school but don’t think they’re tall enough to play in college, a revolution is under way.

It’s the revenge of the little people.

An international rule change has created a new position in men’s volleyball--the libero, which means free in Italian.

All the libero does is pass and dig from the back row. The player is not allowed to serve, spike or attack.

He’ll wear a different color jersey than his teammates, just like a goalie in soccer, and there will be unlimited substitutions involving the libero.

College coaches are receiving renewed interest from walk-ons who never would have come out for volleyball without the new position.

“I’ve had guys knocking on my door,” Coach Jeff Campbell of Cal State Northridge said. “It’s like they heard the little guys can play. It could be [anyone] out there as long as they can play defense and pass.”

One player ready to benefit from the new position is senior Paul Jocas of Chaminade High. He’s a 6-foot setter who was selected All-Mission League last season. He dreamed of playing for 17-time NCAA champion UCLA, but he knew that wasn’t likely--until the creation of the libero.

Now the Bruins are recruiting him specifically to play the position and take advantage of his excellent passing and defensive skills.

“My parents didn’t believe it at first,” Jocas said of the Bruins’ interest. “I sort of wanted to go to UCLA. I didn’t know how.”

Two weeks ago, Jocas went on a recruiting visit to Westwood. He was the shortest player among a group of prospects as tall as 6-7.

“They probably thought he was the manager,” Athletic Director Rob Webb of Chaminade said.

Coach Al Scates of UCLA said the libero will be a critical position.

“It’s a great opportunity for young men of all sizes to earn a spot on the team,” he said. “Somebody with strong legs who’s not afraid of hitting the hardwood is who we’re looking for.”

The libero won’t be used in high school this season, but it could arrive in a year or two.

“It really opens up everything for shorter kids,” Jocas said. “It’s going to be a thrill [to play college volleyball].” . . .

A message was sent last week when 3,217 spectators showed up at Northridge to watch the Matadors play UCLA in men’s soccer.

That was a larger crowd than the Matadors’ home football opener against Western Oregon and close to the 3,569 who watched the Matadors’ Big Sky Conference football game against Idaho State on Oct. 2.

It was more evidence that Athletic Director Dick Dull should proceed full speed ahead with getting the Matadors out of the Big Sky and into the Big West Conference.

This community has little enthusiasm or interest in going to watch Montana, Montana State, Idaho State or Portland State. But put Northridge in a soccer match against UCLA, a volleyball match against Pepperdine, a baseball game against USC, a basketball game against Long Beach State and a softball game against UCLA, and fans will come out.

Please, please free us from the Big Sky. . . .

Pitcher Jamie Shields of Hart is close to announcing his college choice. Cal State Fullerton and LSU are the leading candidates. . . .

Former L.A. Baptist catcher John Wilson, a junior at Kentucky, helped his professional aspirations by batting .308 for Team USA last summer. . . .

Former Sylmar pitcher Ivan Hernandez took the Scholastic Assessment Test last week and is waiting for a score that will determine whether he’ll pitch for Northridge this season. . . .

Jesse Alvarez, a senior shortstop who played at North Hollywood, has transferred to San Fernando. . . .

Thousand Oaks is the recipient of an outstanding softball transfer student. Jenni Perez, a first-team All-Marmonte League selection from Moorpark, will play catcher for the Lancers.

“She’s a very good player,” Coach Gary Walin said. “It was a nice surprise.” . . .

It’s difficult to focus on linemen during football games, but keep track of Scott Arnold, an improving 6-5, 285-pound senior at Canyon. He starts on offense and defense. “He’s been exceptional,” Coach Jack Bowman said. . . .

Teams can dream of beating Hart in football this season, but it’s not going to happen. This is the Indians’ best defense since Mike Herrington became coach in 1989. Everybody is playing for second place in Division III.

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Eric Sondheimer’s local column appears Wednesday and Sunday. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422 or eric.sondheimer@latimes.com