March 10, 2024
Starting up a brand-new program carries many challenges. A dozen new Men’s volleyball teams were added to the D3 landscape this season, and even more will come in 2025. Starting from scratch to assemble a competitive group of college volleyball players and athletes can be daunting.
Each school has different funding levels for these programs, and some are more equipped than others in regard to facilities and the ability to attract the right players. The top 2 teams in our ranking have had access to former D3 players either as transfers or preparing for graduate studies.
Hobart has been a cut above the rest of the new programs in 2024. Andrew Kim, who graduated from Vassar last season as an All-American, has a good chance for Player of the Year in his new environment. Bringing a person of Andrew’s caliber to Hobart has made all the difference, but the cast of characters around him have been extremely strong and have played so well together despite it being the programs first season. Dan Sappia, Zack Farren, Grayson Getz, Aiden Kemora, Gavin Meador, Nate Magni and the rest of the Statesmen have their highest IH ranking of the season this week at #13 in the country. Hobart entered the UVC, one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, in its first year. And have 4 wins over ranked teams in 24. Kudos to the coaches, players, administrators and fans for such an outstanding start to their program.
Buffalo State has also shown to be super competitive in their first year of existence. The Bengals boast a win over UC Santa Cruz and have accumulated 10 wins already in the first season. Head Coach Dan Miranda, formerly the Head Coach of Elmira, and also a great player at Nazareth, has been the perfect presence to get this program off to an awesome start. This team has benefited from the Medaille College closure with several transfers coming over including Chi Jackson. But also, from some really solid new players and freshman like Jake Woelfel. Gavin Wilczewski, Chris Laboy, Kaden Strong and Jackson Stang.
UW-Steven’s Point has also had a great start to their program. They boast a winning record through 17 matches played thus far and have already beaten some well-seasoned teams from both D3 and NAIA.
IH had these three teams as the top 3 new programs for 24. Congrats to all the new teams and we wish everyone associated with these programs’ great future success…