4/28/25
In a season fueled by dreams, grit, and an unwavering belief in each other, the Southern Virginia University Knights men’s volleyball team completed one of the most inspiring runs in Division III history. Tonight, they stand atop the nation for the first time, capturing the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship in Salem, Virginia with a thrilling sweep of perennial power Springfield College.
With the resounding 3-0 victory, SVU completed a record-setting season at 35-1, cementing their place not just in the record books, but in the hearts of anyone who believes that perseverance and belief can breed success.
The Architect of Greatness: Head Coach Tom Peterson
No story of this championship season can begin without honoring Head Coach Tom Peterson. Peterson, already a legend in collegiate volleyball with national titles at Penn State and BYU, arrived at SVU in 2017 to build something from scratch. What he has built is nothing short of extraordinary.
With patience, wisdom, and a relentless commitment to molding both players and men, Peterson guided the Knights through years of heartbreak… close playoff losses, gut-wrenching defeats, and near-misses. Every stumble sharpened the Knights’ resolve. Every setback laid a brick in the foundation. This championship is not just a reward; it is the culmination of eight years of tireless, visionary leadership.
Tonight, with tears in his eyes, Peterson finally saw his Knights ascend to the throne they were destined to reach.
The Star That Rose to the Top: Christian Sheaffer
SVU’s rise to national champions was powered by the dominant play of senior outside hitter Christian Sheaffer, who delivered a season that will be remembered in DIII lore. Sheaffer was named the 2025 AVCA Division III National Player of the Year after smashing program records in kills (over 400), hitting percentage (.437), service aces (67), and blocks (92).
In every big moment, Sheaffer was there, towering above defenders, ripping thunderous kills down the line, and lifting his teammates with his calm, lethal confidence. Tonight, against Springfield, Sheaffer once again showed why he was the nation’s best, delivering the decisive swings that broke open each set.
The Soul of the Knights: Jeremy “Jumbo Slice” Brown
While stars often grab headlines, every championship team is anchored by a heart, a soul that binds the group together. For SVU, that soul is Jeremy Brown, affectionately nicknamed “Jumbo Slice.”
Jeremy Brown has been the glue of Southern Virginia men’s volleyball for years. A dynamic outside hitter with a relentless motor, he brought far more than athleticism to the court. His spirit was contagious. His smile lit up practices. His energy could turn the tide of matches when fatigue and doubt tried to creep in.
Brown’s contributions defied the box score. He made every teammate better simply by being beside them. His all-around game, timely kills, smart passing, crafty defense, was only part of his magic. It was his relentless positivity, his fierce loyalty to the team, and his unwavering belief in the mission that made him the irreplaceable heart of the Knights.
In the championship match, Brown was a steadying force, delivering crucial moments that kept SVU composed against the mighty Springfield Pride. His story is not just one of an unsung hero. It is the purest illustration that heart, spirit, and selfless leadership win championships.
The Brain Behind the Attack: Gehrig Tolman
Sophomore setter Gehrig Tolman orchestrated SVU’s offense with wisdom beyond his years. In his first full season directing the offense, Tolman shattered the single-season assist record with 958, fueling one of the most efficient and versatile attacks in DIII history.
His connection with Sheaffer, Brown, and the middles was effortless, and his decision-making under pressure was flawless. The smooth rhythm and deceptive quickness of SVU’s offense can be traced directly to Tolman’s hands and mind.
The Defensive Acrobat: Justin Madsen
Anchoring the backcourt was libero Justin Madsen, who played the best volleyball of his career when it mattered most. Earning AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honors, Madsen tallied over 230 digs and provided the calm, composed ball control that allowed SVU to dominate transition play.
It was Madsen’s defense, diving saves, and ability to read opponents that turned momentum throughout the NCAA Tournament. When chaos broke out on the floor, Madsen was there to settle it, leading with heart and iron nerves.
A Missing presence
The outstanding right side presence of Sam Candland was missing in the Championship game lineup as injury forced Sam out of the lineup in the semi-finals matchup against Juniata. His powerful arm was a big part of SVU’s success this season. Sam was on the sidelines cheering his lungs out and supporting his teammates in the best way he knew how. Senior Jayton Hall stepped up big time and the Knights didn’t miss a beat while Hall contributed 4 kills, 10 digs, and an ace.
The Towering Presence: SVU’s Middles
Middle blockers Kyler Evans and Kristo Bianchin gave the Knights their physical edge at the net. Evan’s energy and vertical explosiveness punished opponents, while Bianchin’s versatility gave SVU an unmatched weapon at the middle position. Bianchin got the big opportunity to win the match after 2 Championship points and he did not disappoint culminating a great career with the winning slam.
Both men delivered in the championship, shutting down Springfield’s middle attack and adding critical momentum-swinging points. Their synchronized blocks brought roars from the crowd and crushed the opposition’s spirit.
A Championship Match for the Ages
The final victory over Springfield was not merely a win. It was a cathartic, defining moment for the program. SVU took the sets 25-20, 25-23, and 27-25, outplaying the most storied team in Division III history with poise, ferocity, and joy.
Each point reflected the DNA of this team… relentless pursuit, unbreakable spirit, and a love for each other that transcended statistics.
The Final Climb: From Dream to Reality
In the moments after match point, the Knights collapsed into each other’s arms, tears of joy, exhaustion, and fulfillment streaming down their faces. For seniors like Sheaffer, Brown, Madsen, Bianchin, Evans, and Candland, it was the culmination of years of dreaming about this very night.
For Coach Peterson, it was the validation of a lifetime spent believing that a team built on love, discipline, and family could move mountains.
For the Southern Virginia community, it was a night that will echo for generations to come, a testament that anything is possible for those who believe fiercely, work tirelessly, and refuse to quit.
A Legacy Forever Written
The 2025 Southern Virginia Knights are not just champions.
They are proof that greatness is not just measured in trophies, but in the brotherhood forged through battles fought together.
They are the embodiment of what college athletics can aspire to be, a celebration of spirit, resilience, and heart.
The massive “near” home crowd chanted “SVU, SVU” as the team embraced their newly won trophy. It truly was a magical knight!