Gabriella Kholstinin

If you asked Gabriella Kholstinin about volleyball in the summer of 2024, she would’ve told you her career was over. After starting her collegiate career at a different school in Brooklyn, Kholstinin said she realized she wanted to come back home. But a week before tryouts at her new school, Hudson Valley Community College, a friend convinced her to try out for the team.

“I honestly didn’t really know much about Hudson Valley and the volleyball program before I joined the team,” she said. “When I did join the team, though, I saw that we had some talent, and I thought we were going to be good. We did pretty well that first season. I didn’t really know what to expect regarding what we were going to accomplish because I didn’t know anything about our conference or our region. I didn’t know anything about those schools. We ended up doing pretty good.”

“Pretty good” might be too modest. This season, Kholstinin became HVCC’s all-time assists leader with 1,249. She set the program’s single season record for assists with 549 the previous year, then broke it with 700 this year. With that, she became the first HVCC volleyball player ever to be named an NJCAA All-American.

“Her talent, volleyball IQ, and relentless work ethic helped her become the all-time assists leader in Hudson Valley Community College history,” said HVCC Head Volleyball Coach Therese DeCan. “It’s a reflection not only of her athletic ability, but of her consistency, discipline, and commitment to team success.”

Kholstinin led her team to plenty of success as well. The Vikings finished 26-2 overall, posted a perfect regular season, won HVCC’s first conference title since 1995, and captured the school’s first-ever region III championship. That success forced Kholstinin to face one of her biggest fears. The NJCAA DIII Volleyball Championship was scheduled to take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is at least a 16-hour drive from Troy. Faced with an almost inevitable flight, Kholstinin had a choice to make.

“When we were told that we were getting on a plane, I was super nervous because one of my biggest fears is flying,” she said.

It was her coach, Therese DeCan, whom she credits with helping her face her fears, and so much more.

“She helped me with so many things,” Kholstinin said. “She was plotting ways that we could drive to Cedar Rapids. I ended up getting over it and going on the plane, but she’s been a super big help with everything: volleyball, but also academics and personal aspects of life.”

“Beyond athletics, Gabriella possesses the intelligence, maturity, and humility needed to thrive in every environment,” DeCan said. “She consistently stands up for what she believes in while encouraging and supporting those around her to do the same. Her steady pursuit of excellence is grounded in responsibility, integrity, and respect. Gabriella willingly serves others, volunteers when needed, and demonstrates kindness and generosity without seeking recognition in return.”

One way Kholstinin has served others was with the Capital City Rescue Mission. Inspired by seeing people in difficult situations while living in Brooklyn, Kholstinin took action in Albany and volunteered to make lunch for those in need.

“It was really good to actually help with that instead of just being a viewer,” she said. “We also got a little tour of the rescue mission where they stay. It was eye-opening and created a different perspective on things.”

Kholstinin will be staying nearby for her next step in life when she transfers to UAlbany in the fall to pursue a degree in business. She already has a head start on her career, as she is currently interning in the Office of State Comptroller.

“I’m not 100% sure what I want to do when I graduate,” Kholstinin said. “But I want to see whether I’d like to be a state worker. Either way, it’s a good opportunity to put on my resume for other opportunities as well.”

Being named to CDSWOY 2026 was quite the surprise for Kholstinin.

“I was honestly kind of in shock,” she said. “But I’m super proud of myself, and I feel like I worked super hard to get it. I was super happy that Justin (Hoyt), our Athletic Director at Hudson Valley, nominated me for it. I just feel super proud and accomplished, and I feel like all my hard work has paid off.”