HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former men's volleyball student-athlete Sina Sinbari ('25). Sinbari was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Sarcoma in 2022 and courageously fought the aggressive cancer over the past four years until his passing on Monday. He was 25 years old.

"We are heartbroken to hear the news that Sina has passed away," said Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut. "He truly was and continues to be an inspiration to our FDU community and beyond. His spirit was contagious and watching him compete on the court brought everyone such joy. He was the kind of kid that could change the tenor of a room with a simple smile. Sina's fight has left an indelible mark on FDU, and we will continue to tell his story to future generations of Knights. He will be deeply missed."

Sinbari committed to the FDU men's volleyball program after their inaugural season in 2022. Just two weeks before he was scheduled to arrive on campus, he received his diagnosis. Desmoplastic Sarcoma is an extremely rare form of cancer that affects fewer than 100 people per year. While Sinbari's plans to join the team had changed, his journey was just beginning.

Over the next three years, Sinbari waged a relentless fight against his disease. He endured over 30 rounds of chemotherapy. In 2024, Sinbari defied incredible odds and willed his way to Hackensack, joining the team in January before the season began. While treatments prohibited him from playing, he immediately proved himself as a completely selfless teammate, cheering the team on as they reached their first NEC tournament in program history.

Sinbari was not content with just being on the sidelines. He gave everything he had for a chance to get back on the court. This involved taking redeye flights after treatment so that he could join the team for early morning practices.

Sinbari's hard work and resilience paid off on January 15, 2025, during FDU's match against Barry University. Sinbari entered a match for the first time since his diagnosis and delivered a kill on the first point he played. He went onto play in 13 matches as the Knights reached the NEC semifinals.

"A young man who overcame obstacle after obstacle, and lived the ethos of 'hard work is not hard at all', lost a battle with sarcoma Monday," said FDU men's volleyball head coach Karl France. "After the initial diagnosis all those years ago, it almost seemed like the pain he endured made him stronger.  Sina was a force of nature who made friends everywhere he went with his charismatic personality.  I will always remember his smile, his immense fire for life, and his intense desire to compete.  He was so many things to us all. Teammate. Brother. Son. Cousin. Friend."

After the season concluded, Sinbari received the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award at the NACDA Convention in Orlando. This distinguished award honors student-athletes who have overcome significant personal, academic, and/or emotional challenges to achieve academic success while competing in intercollegiate athletics. He was also named the FDU Comeback Player of the Year.

Sinbari graduated from FDU on May 14, 2025, with a bachelor's degree in business. Following graduation, Sinbari enrolled at UCLA and was pursuing a master's degree in Business Law.

Sinbari's legacy is a shining light for the FDU community. He will be incredibly missed by all who knew him.