2025 Season Award Summary

In an unprecedented achievement, Hobart senior Andrew Kim has become the first five-time AVCA Division III Men’s Volleyball All-American, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated players in the history of the division.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association announced its 2025 Division III Men’s Volleyball All-America Teams this week, with Kim earning first-team honors for the second consecutive season at Hobart. The outside hitter’s remarkable run includes first-team selections in 2021, 2023, and 2024 at Vassar, plus a second-team nod in 2022, making him the only player ever to achieve five All-America honors at the Division III level.

This year’s announcement showcases 28 elite players across first and second teams, representing 15 schools from coast to coast. New York University dominated the selections with six players earning All-America status, while Springfield College contributed four honorees to the prestigious list.

Breaking New Ground

Kim’s historic achievement isn’t the only milestone celebrated in this year’s honors. Aurora University’s Josh McLellan and Lasell University’s Theo Zaharewicz both earned their schools’ first-ever All-America recognition with first-team selections, marking significant moments for their respective programs.

Southern Virginia’s Christian Sheaffer captured Division III Player of the Year honors after a record-breaking senior campaign. Sheaffer helped lead the Knights to a program-best 33 victories heading into the NCAA Championship semifinals, shattering numerous school records along the way. The senior outside hitter also earned his third consecutive All-America honor, having made the first team in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Fresh Faces Making Impact

SUNY New Paltz freshman Nikko Tenedorio earned Newcomer of the Year recognition after an explosive first season. The outside hitter averaged 3.78 points per set with 328 kills, 176 digs, and 53 blocks, demonstrating the versatility that makes him one of the division’s most exciting young talents.

2025 DIVISION III MVB AWARD WINNERS

Player of the Year: Christian Sheaffer, Southern Virginia University, OH, Sr.

Newcomer of the Year: Nikko Tenedorio, SUNY New Paltz, OH, Fr.

Coach of the Year: Tom Peterson, Southern Virginia University

Assistant Coach of the Year: Brandin McDonough, Juniata College

2025 AVCA DIVISION III MEN’S VOLLEYBALL FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

Alex Kagoro, Messiah University, OH, Jr., 6’4, Irondequoit, NY

Andrew Kim, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, OH, Gr. (2024-1st Team, 2023-1st (Vassar), 2022-2nd (Vassar), 2021-1st (Vassar))

Zach Knudsen, New York University, L, Sr.

Corey Mayotte, Loras College, OH, Sr. (2024-1st, 2023-2nd)

Josh McLellan, Aurora University, OH, Jr.

Dylan Mulvaney, Springfield College, S, Jr. (2024-2nd, 2023-1st)

Devyn Nguyen, New York University, S, So.

Lucas Osiecki, New York University, OH, Sr.

Owen Otto, Carthage College, OH, So.

Chris Rouleau, Springfield College, MB, Sr. (2024-2nd)

Christian Sheaffer, Southern Virginia University, OH, Sr. (2024-1st, 2023-1st)

Koby Sherman, Stevens Institute of Technology, RS, Sr. (2024-1st, 2023-2nd)

Griffin Stella, St. John Fisher University, MB, Gr.

Theo Zaharewicz, Lasell University, OH, Sr.

2025 AVCA DIVISION III MEN’S VOLLEYBALL SECOND-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

Michael Bowler, University of Mount Union, MB, Jr.

Buddy Cohen, New York University, MB, Sr.

Jake DesLauriers, Springfield College, OH, Jr.

Carter Durivage, Springfield College, OH, Jr.

Emerson Evans, New York University, RS, So.

Tyler Goldsborough, Juniata College, OH, Gr.

Ben Heise, Carthage College, RS, So.

Luke Hoffman, Juniata College, MB, Gr. (2024-2nd)

Ry Kagan, New York University, MB, Sr. (2024-2nd)

Jared Piontkowski, Misericordia University, RS, Sr. (2024-1st)

Brandon Sharp, Messiah University, S, So.

Michael Stahl, California Lutheran University, RS, Gr.

Conner Stauffer, Messiah University, L, Sr.

Gehrig Tolman, Southern Virginia University, S, So.

HONORABLE MENTION

Juan Armando, Juniata College, OH, Sr.

Nicolai Bell, Wentworth Institute of Technology, MB, Jr.

Samuel Candland, Southern Virginia University, RS, Sr.

Jordan Cooper, California Lutheran University, OH, Gr.

Armaan Desai, Vassar College, MB, So.

Evan Dziadkowiec, Loras College, S, Fr.

Justin Madsen, Southern Virginia University, L, Sr.

Ryan Morey, Carthage College, S, Jr.

Grant Oh, MIT, OH, Sr.

Kyle Ownbey, University of California, Santa Cruz, MB, So.

Ian Rauh, St. John Fisher University, MB, Sr.

Michael Shelley, Emmanuel College, OH, Jr.

Nikko Tenedorio, SUNY New Paltz, OH, Fr.

Owen Wickens, Nazareth College, OH, Gr.

Coaching Excellence and Committee Recognition

Southern Virginia’s Tom Peterson earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Knights to their historic 33-win season and deep tournament run. The selections were made by the AVCA Division III All-America Committee, chaired by George Chapell of Endicott College and including representatives from programs across the nation.

As the 2025 season reaches its climax, these All-Americans represent the pinnacle of Division III volleyball excellence. From Kim’s historic fifth honor to the first-time All-Americans breaking through for their programs, this year’s selections capture the depth of talent and competitive excellence that defines Division III men’s volleyball.