Caldwell set on UCLA

For a couple of minutes, Newport Harbor High’s Kyle Caldwell put aside his homework Tuesday evening and thought about his volleyball future.

Awesome is the first word that came to the 6-foot-8 senior’s mind after verbally committing to UCLA, not only because of the storied men’s volleyball program, 19 NCAA championships, but because Caldwell might get a chance to start alongside three former Newport Harbor players next year.

Caldwell, a Newport-Mesa Dream Team selection and third-team All-CIF Southern Section Division I honoree, said he chose the Bruins over USC, UC Santa Barbara, Southern Methodist University and defending NCAA champion UC Irvine because of the Sailors’ presence in Westwood and the school’s academics.

Caldwell, a setter, played with incoming freshman Weston Dunlap last year at Newport Harbor and redshirt sophomore Brett Perrine, the Newport-Mesa Player of the Year in 2005, the year before. Jamie Diefenbach, a junior middle blocker, graduated a year before Caldwell’s freshman year.

“That did help out a lot,” said Caldwell, who said he roomed with Perrine during his official visit to UCLA last weekend. “I talked to Weston a lot and the program and campus were great.

“Coach [Al Scates] is very good and he’s funny. He tells a lot of jokes and makes everyone have a good time.”

Winning usually takes care of that at UCLA, which under Scates’ tenure starting in 1963 the Bruins have won a lot, more than any other volleyball program. His 19th title at UCLA came in 2006.

Caldwell, who might play opposite hitter in college, said he’s excited about the decision because “I don’t have to think about where I’m going to college anymore.”

One more boys’ volleyball season at Newport Harbor before he leaves and this time he won’t be hampered by the stress fracture in his right foot that forced him to miss time last year.

“It’ll be fun,” said Caldwell, whose team last year finished second in the competitive Sunset League and 20-13 overall.

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at david.carrillo@latimes.com.