1/13/2026
The MIT Engineers men’s volleyball program enters the 2026 season ready to build on a foundation of resilience, technical skill, and academic-athletic balance in the highly competitive United Volleyball Conference (UVC). Head Coach Todd Elwell returns for his ninth season, having steadily elevated the program with multiple 15+ win campaigns and a reputation for developing intelligent, versatile players who excel under pressure.
Reflecting on a Competitive 2025 Season
The Engineers finished 16-14 overall in 2025, navigating a demanding schedule that tested depth and adaptability. Across 104 sets, MIT posted a .242 hitting percentage, 1209 kills (11.63 per set), 1119 assists (10.76 per set), 161 service aces (1.55 per set), and solid defensive numbers. Standout individual contributions included:
- Grant Oh (Sr., OH) – 421 kills (4.25 per set), 35 aces, 141 digs, 484.5 points (team leader in nearly every offensive category)
- Riley Oh (Sr., S) – 575 assists (9.13 per set), providing steady distribution
- Michael Rini (Sr., MB) – 123 kills, team-high blocking presence
- Kevin Windisch (Sr., L/DS) – 183 digs (1.81 per set), anchoring the back row
- Maddox Brandenburg (So., MB) – 132 kills (1.52 per set), 67.0 blocks
- Ryan Espinoza (Jr., RS) – 90 kills, 22 aces, versatile right-side production
- Jensen Fiskin (Jr., S) – 318 assists, secondary setting and front-row support
- Kristof Spellen (So., OH) – 117 kills (1.86 per set)
The season showcased MIT’s trademark efficiency and multi-positional talent, setting a strong platform for the year ahead.
Farewells to Impactful Seniors
Several veteran leaders graduate after leaving indelible marks on the program. Grant Oh concludes an outstanding career as one of MIT’s most prolific attackers, surpassing 1,000 career kills while earning respect for his all-court dominance. Riley Oh provided calm, high-IQ setting throughout his tenure. Michael Rini delivered consistent net presence and blocking, while Kevin Windisch stabilized the defense with elite passing and digging. Their experience, work ethic, and leadership will be missed, but their contributions have raised the standard for future Engineers.
The Returning Foundation: Proven Production
A talented and experienced group returns, offering continuity in attacking, setting, blocking, and defense. Key returners with notable 2025 statistical highlights include:
- Ryan Espinoza (Sr., RS) – Versatile right-side weapon with 90 kills (1.30 per set), 22 service aces, and strong all-around play.
- Jensen Fiskin (Sr., S) – Reliable setter contributing 318 assists (4.82 per set in rotational play) alongside blocking and serving.
- Maddox Brandenburg (Jr., MB) – Emerging front-row force with 132 kills (1.52 per set) and 67.0 total blocks, poised for a breakout leadership role.
- Kristof Spellen (Jr., OH) – Dynamic outside hitter delivering 117 kills (1.86 per set) and consistent pinning options.
- Warren Nam (Jr., L/DS) – Backcourt contributor with digs, serves, and assists in defensive rotations.
- Hansen Fan (Jr., M/OH) – Multi-skilled athlete adding 68 kills and front-row versatility.
- Aden Adjei (Sr., MB) – Depth in the middle with blocking and short-set efficiency.
- Braeden Baker (Jr., OH) – Rotational outside with attacking potential.
- Additional support from players like Azfal Peermohammed, Ben Volokh, George Chang, and others who gained valuable court time.
This core combines returning starters, rising contributors, and positional flexibility to form a balanced and competitive lineup.
Welcoming the Talented 2026 Freshman Class
MIT’s incoming class of eight newcomers brings impressive physical tools, competitive pedigrees, and high-level experience from top high school and club programs nationwide. The group features exceptional height across multiple positions, adding immediate depth and future upside.
- Nate Toth (OH, 6’3″, Mokena, IL / Marist High School) Nate joins from Marist, a consistent Illinois contender known for strong sectional runs and player development in one of the nation’s deepest boys volleyball states.
- Nathaniel Black (S, 6’2″, Houston, TX / Awty International School) Nathaniel brings setter vision and height from Awty International, a program that competes in Texas’s growing private-school volleyball circuit.
- Alexander Garrett (OH, 6’2″, Pacific Palisades, CA / Brentwood School) Alexander arrives from Brentwood School in Southern California’s elite preparatory league, where he honed dynamic attacking skills in a highly competitive environment.
- David Oladosu (MB, 6’5″, Middletown, DE / Appoquinimink High School) David adds significant blocking reach from Appoquinimink, contributing front-row presence from Delaware’s developing volleyball scene.
- Matthew Louis (MB, 6’6″, Barrington, IL / Barrington High School) Matthew stands out with elite height from Barrington, one of Illinois’s premier programs that regularly advances deep in state tournaments and produces collegiate talent.
- Colin Zimmerman (S, 6’3″, Phoenix, AZ / Brophy College Preparatory) Colin offers tall, athletic setting from Brophy Prep, a powerhouse Arizona program with a tradition of strong fundamentals and postseason success.
- Henry Garewal (OPP, 6’5″, San Diego, CA / Canyon Crest Academy) Henry brings powerful right-side attacking from Canyon Crest Academy, part of San Diego’s renowned volleyball community that feeds numerous Division I and III programs.
- Carlos Rijos (MB, 6’4″, Bayamon, Puerto Rico / Colegio Adianez) Carlos contributes international experience and net strength from Colegio Adianez, adding athleticism and a global perspective to the middle blocker group.
This class arrives with size, skill, and winning backgrounds, ready to compete for roles and elevate practice intensity.
Looking Ahead: Bright Prospects for 2026
With Coach Todd Elwell’s proven direction, a seasoned returning core anchored by players like Maddox Brandenburg, Ryan Espinoza, Jensen Fiskin, and Kristof Spellen, and an athletic freshman class injecting height and fresh energy, the MIT Engineers are primed for an exciting and competitive season. The blend of returning production, emerging talent, and program depth positions MIT to challenge in the UVC and pursue strong non-conference results. Fans can look forward to watching this intelligent, hardworking group continue the tradition of excellence in Division III men’s volleyball.