PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces its acceptance into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) varsity athletics league with the introduction of women's court volleyball this fall and men's baseball in spring 2026.

 

Both sports will be played at the Division III level during the 2025-26 academic year and will be eligible for NJCAA  postseason play during the 2026-27 academic year. 

 

"Being able to offer sports at the varsity level is a huge win for BCC, not only for our current students, but also for attracting new students," said Director of Recreational Services Daryl Shreve. "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome NJCAA volleyball and baseball to Berkshire County." 

 

BCC will play in Region 21, which encompasses 14 schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The majority of region 21 members are Massachusetts community colleges, including Bristol, Bunker Hill, Holyoke, Massasoit, Mass Bay, Northern Essex, Quincy, Quinsigamond, Roxbury and Springfield. They join Connecticut State Community College – Gateway, UConn Avery Point and Community College of Rhode Island.  

 

Shreve explained that starting at BCC and transferring to a four-year school still allows students two years of eligibility at a four-year school after competing at BCC. 

 

"Student-athletes have the ability to compete at the college level for two years with BCC, often tuition free, and then have the ability to transfer and continue to play at a four-year school," he said. "It is a win-win for the students on the academic, financial and athletic fronts. Play more, spend less and get a good education." 

 

With BCC's acceptance into NJCAA, the College has hired Evaguel Rhysing to coach women's volleyball and Michael Muscato to coach baseball. 

 

Evaguel Rhysing returned to volleyball as a coach after retiring as a player in her 20s. She began her coaching journey at Mount Greylock, where she led the JV team to a 14-3 record, guided the freshman team to a 7-1 season and assisted varsity team head coach Greg Geyer. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rhysing began her volleyball career at Barbara Ann Roessler Academy, playing as a setter and defensive specialist for the Pumas before becoming the school's first-ever libero when the position was introduced in 1999. She recorded 402 digs and 78 assists in her best season. 

 

As the head volleyball coach at BCC, Rhysing aims to make practices fun but also a safe space where players can make mistakes and polish their skills to become better athletes. Passionate about strengthening the local volleyball community, she is dedicated to supporting high school programs and contributing to the Berkshires' reputation as a hub for volleyball. 

 

"Returning to volleyball has given me a renewed sense of purpose. It reminds me how vital the mind-body connection is in sports. The volleyball community, coaches and players alike, have given me a home, and I am eager to use my experience to help these athletes grow," Rhysing said. A licensed educator, entrepreneur and marketer, she lives in Pittsfield with her family and two dogs, Sylver and Kaly. 

 

Michael Muscato, a former Arizona All-State high school prospect, hit .500 with seven home runs as the Arizona 5A Region Player of the Year out of Mountain Ridge High School. He later captained NCAA Division I Nicholls State University. Drafted by the New York Yankees, Muscato played two seasons of professional baseball, hitting .305 as a rookie switch-hitting catcher and finishing his career with the Somerset Patriots while also logging innings at first, third, left field, center field and right field. At BCC, he returns to the NJCAA, where as a player he helped lead the Glendale Community College Gauchos to an NJCAA world series appearance in 2003 after transferring from the University of Arizona. 

 

Muscato, who holds a master's degree in public administration, is an experienced business owner of a strength and conditioning facility and was the business manager of a Hall of Fame rock band. He has coached various youth and adult athletic programs, provided private baseball instruction from youth to professional levels and coached a youth travel baseball program. As head baseball coach at BCC, Muscato plans to focus is on player development, post-BCC placement and building a baseball program the community can be proud to support. 

 

"The game of baseball has given me so much, both on the field and in preparation for life after baseball. I look forward to using my personal, athletic, educational and professional experience to help develop and prepare as many ball players here in the Berkshires as I can," Muscato said. He resides in Vermont with his wife Alicia and sons Cooper and Canton.