Winning a national championship is a goal big enough for most people. But not for Byron Schneider.

Last month, Schneider graduated with a bachelor's degree and a 3.8 grade point average in electrical engineering. This month, he is a graduate student studying for his master's in bioengineering as well as a co-captain for the men's volleyball team.

"He is by far the most steady player on the team," sophomore middle blocker Kevin Hourican said. "You want consistency from your passers and he plays great every time -- he is very steady."

Schneider has been taken for granted in the past because of this steadiness. He is the Lion's most consistent player in passing, hitting and blocking, which is the main reason why he is one of their co-captains.

"He brings maturity and consistency to the court, and he's got very good overall skill," Coach Tom Peterson said. "He is counted on to hit a lot of balls."

Every year, the Lions set their sights as high as they possibly can -- winning the national championship. This year, however, the dream could actually come true.

"I don't think our goals are going to be set too high this year," Schneider said. "A national championship is very realizable this year, and the seniors especially don't want to let that get away from them."

While some of the Lions count on the energy created by the seniors to pick them up when they are down, Schneider stays within himself for inspiration.

"I am more of a quiet player," the 6-foot-3 outside hitter said. "I talk to myself. Each person knows how to use their own personality to liven up their own game."

But despite his silence, Schneider knows that it is his responsibility to keep everyone together.

"I don't want anyone bickering because when we start bickering, that's when we start playing bad," the Rochester, N.Y., native said. "I try to make everyone funnel their emotions to the good things rather than the bad."

After this season ends, Schneider will be devoting the majority of his time to earning his master's. Instead of traveling to California and Hawaii to join the ultra-competitive beach volleyball circuit, Schneider will be spending his time with ultrasound machines on the bioengineering circuit.

Notes:

-- The preseason rankings will hold through the weekend's matches and will not change until the first poll is released Tuesday.

-- Team leaders so far this season are: freshman Ivan Contreras (6 aces), senior Ramon Hernandez (55 kills), Hourican (.431 hitting efficiency), senior Ed Josefoski (21 blocks).