The Loras College Duhawks men’s volleyball team heads into the 2026 season with strong momentum and a proven track record of excellence in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Head Coach Dylan Ross, a Loras alumnus, guides the program in his sixth season, having established a competitive culture marked by high national rankings, efficient offense, and player development.
2025 Season Recap
The Duhawks delivered an impressive 18-5 campaign in 2025 across 74 sets, showcasing elite efficiency with 1000 total kills (13.51 per set), a remarkable .342 hitting percentage, 898 assists (12.14 per set), 101 service aces (1.36 per set), 748 digs (10.11 per set), and 152.0 total blocks (2.05 per set). The balanced attack and stout defense earned consistent national attention and positioned the team as a CCIW contender.
Standout performers drove the success. Senior outside hitter Corey Mayotte led with 396 kills (5.35 per set, .388 percentage), 36 service aces, 132 digs, and 446.0 points (6.03 per set). Senior Nolan Krygsheld contributed 184 kills (2.63 per set), 156 digs (2.23 per set), and 15 aces. Senior Bo Brainerd III added 120 kills (1.94 per set) and a team-high 47.0 blocks (0.76 per set). Junior Roman Rothermel provided 132 kills (1.89 per set) and 63.0 blocks (0.90 per set). Sophomore setter Evan Dziadkowiec orchestrated the offense with 756 assists (10.96 per set) and 103 digs (1.49 per set). Other key contributors included Connor Jaral (78 kills, 1.47 per set), Brady Oberfoell (108 digs, 1.52 per set as libero), and Aidan Peloquin (versatile play across multiple categories).
Graduating Players and Departures
The program bids farewell to impactful seniors who provided leadership and dominant production. Primary departures include outside hitter Corey Mayotte, the national leader in kills per set (5.34) whose all-around excellence defined the attack; setter Ryan Floyd, who added valuable distribution and experience; and other graduates whose efforts supported the winning record. These players leave an enduring legacy of high performance and team success.
Returning Players
An experienced and deep group of returners offers outstanding continuity and proven statistical production across all positions.
Senior outside hitter Nolan Krygsheld returns as a versatile leader, having posted 184 kills (2.63 per set), a team-high 156 digs (2.23 per set), 15 service aces, and strong all-around contributions in 2025.
Senior middle blocker Bo Brainerd III (6’8″) anchors the front row with 120 kills (1.94 per set), a team-leading 47.0 total blocks (0.76 per set), and 35 digs, providing elite blocking presence and offensive efficiency.
Junior middle blocker Roman Rothermel strengthens the net with 132 kills (1.89 per set), 63.0 total blocks (0.90 per set, second on the team), and consistent front-row dominance.
Sophomore setter Evan Dziadkowiec returns to direct the high-powered offense after distributing 756 assists (10.96 per set), adding 103 digs (1.49 per set) and 13 aces for multi-faceted impact.
Junior libero Brady Oberfoell bolsters the backcourt with 108 digs (1.52 per set) and excellent passing efficiency.
Sophomore outside hitter Connor Jaral brings attacking depth with 78 kills (1.47 per set) and 29 digs (0.55 per set).
Additional returners include junior outside hitter Elijah Passey (21 kills, 10 digs in rotational play), sophomore opposite/middle William Vannoy (4 kills, strong blocking potential), sophomore middle James Pirocanac (11 kills, 9.0 blocks), sophomore Aidan Peloquin (versatile defensive and serving contributions), sophomore Lucas Eckrose (defensive specialist role), and sophomore Jacob Strahan (emerging outside hitter). This veteran core combines height, skill, and significant starting experience for another competitive campaign.
New Additions: Incoming Freshmen Class of 2026
The Duhawks add a targeted pair of skilled setters who bring competition, vision, and competitive backgrounds from strong high school and club programs, enhancing depth and offensive options.
Alejandro Burns (Setter, 6’0″, Chandler, AZ / Seton Catholic Prep; Previous School: Calvin University) Alejandro joins as a versatile setter with collegiate experience from Calvin University. At Seton Catholic Preparatory, he earned Second Team All-4A Conference honors for his outstanding playmaking and leadership. He developed through Aspire Volleyball Club, a respected Arizona program, showcasing strong distribution, serving, and court awareness that translate directly to Division III success.
Alex Claessens (Setter, 5’10”, Geneva, IL / Geneva High School) Alex arrives from a competitive Illinois program at Geneva High School, where he contributed to varsity success. He trained with the elite Sports Performance Volleyball Club, one of the nation’s premier boys volleyball development programs known for producing high-level collegiate talent. His commitment was celebrated by the club, highlighting his setting prowess, quick decision-making, and potential for immediate contributions in the Duhawks system.
This duo injects fresh talent and competition at a key position, complementing the returning squad.
2026 Outlook
Under Coach Dylan Ross’s direction, with a seasoned returning core led by standout performers like Nolan Krygsheld (184 kills, 156 digs), Bo Brainerd III (120 kills, 47.0 blocks), Roman Rothermel (132 kills, 63.0 blocks), and Evan Dziadkowiec (756 assists), plus promising new setters adding depth and skill, the Loras College Duhawks are poised for continued prominence. The team opens the 2026 season ranked No. 14 in the AVCA Division III preseason poll, signaling national respect and exciting possibilities in the CCIW and postseason play. Fans can anticipate watching this athletic and experienced group build on recent achievements and compete at a high level.
