2/7/25
We continue our series on impact freshman for the 2025 men’s D3 volleyball season with 6 more outstanding first year players…
Evan Dziadkowiec – Loras
Joe Horn was a prolific setter for the DuHawks leading them to a 25-2 record last season. His graduation has opened the door for freshman Evan Dziadkowiec to take over the offensive playmaking for Loras. Evan has been outstanding thus far, racking up assists at a rate of 10+ a set. He has melded well with attackers Corey Mayotte, Connor Jaral, and Nolan Krygsheld, and Loras looks as strong as they did last season. The 6′ 2″ Lockport, Illinois native has a bright future in purple and will be fun to watch mature this season and in his collegiate career.
Caleb Fries – Penn State Altoona
Caleb Fries, a 6′ 5″ freshman right side and future architectural engineer, has brought size and power to the Lions of Altoona. Caleb has already bashed 102 kills averaging over 3 per set in his first 8 collegiate matches. Fries has been a complete player notching 21 total blocks, 17 aces, and 54 digs in addition to his attack skills. he leads his team in kills, points, aces, and blocks. Penn State Altoona currently has 13 freshman players and 6 sophomores making it one of the youngest rosters in D3.
Carson Reed – Mount Saint Joseph
MSJ first year Carson Reed has exploded onto the scene for the Lions. Carson has over 100 kills in his first 8 matches played. The Louisville, Kentucky native leads his team in points and kills and is hitting a respectable .253 with a .947 receive percentage.
Jackson Genicola – Saint Vincent
Jackson Genicola is really starting to make his mark for Saint Vincent. the 6′ setter from North Huntington, Pennsylvania, has put up some sensational numbers thus far for a first-year player. Averaging close to 9 assists per set, he has already tallied 213 assists in 7 matches. Genicola has two matches under his belt where he had 40+ assists, with 42 against Elizabethtown and 49 against Wilkes. Jackson also has 9 aces, 8 blocks, and 58 digs over 26 sets.
Pearse Esposito – Bard
Setter/Right Side Pearse Esposito has been a great addition for the Bard Raptors. Pearce has put up 120 assists while contributing 56 kills, 40 digs, 15 aces, and 14 total blocks. Esposito brings size and talent to a Raptors team that is vastly improved.
Noah Kern – Wisconsin Lutheran
Wisconsin Lutheran freshman Noah Kern has been solid in his first year for the Warriors. The 5′ 10″ outside hitter from Brookfield, Wisconsin, had a season high 13 kills against Trine and double digit kills against Mount Union and North Park. He has 45 digs and 67 total points in his first 7 matches. Noah also has 8 total blocks and 9 aces thus far in his short career.
