1/26/2026
The 2026 Division III men’s volleyball season has exploded out of the gate with a stunning collection of first-year talent making immediate impacts across the nation. From nationally ranked statistical leaders to conference rookie award winners, these freshmen are rewriting expectations and powering their teams to early success. We will be adding to the list as the season progresses. Make sure to send us your nominations at insidehitter@gmail.com.
The National Statistical Leaders
Nate Toth | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Outside Hitter | 6’3″ Toth has been an offensive force for MIT, posting 4.40 points per set while earning United Volleyball Conference Rookie of the Week honors. The 6’3″ right-side hitter from the Boston area has brought immediate production to the Engineers’ attack, combining power with precision. Toth’s ability to score from the right side and his versatility in the back row have made him an invaluable piece of MIT’s system. Playing at one of the world’s premier academic institutions while excelling athletically showcases Toth’s unique combination of intellect and athleticism.
Jack Cahill | Sarah Lawrence College | Outside Hitter | 6’2″ The crown jewel of Sarah Lawrence’s recruiting class, Cahill has taken D3 volleyball by storm with a blistering 4.67 kills per set, ranking second nationally in the category. The Skyline Conference standout announced his arrival with a jaw-dropping 14-kill performance in his collegiate debut, immediately establishing himself as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the division. Cahill combines explosive attacking with court awareness that belies his freshman status, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Playing for a program that competes in the competitive Skyline Conference in Bronxville, New York, Cahill’s ability to shoulder the offensive load has positioned Sarah Lawrence as a dark horse contender this season.
Ethan Gundrum | Baldwin Wallace University | Setter | 6’3″ Operating the offense for Baldwin Wallace, Gundrum has orchestrated the Yellow Jackets’ attack at an elite 11.56 assists per set, ranking No. 2 nationally among all setters. In just nine sets of action, the Cincinnati native has already dished out 104 assists, showcasing remarkable court vision and decision-making for a first-year player. Gundrum’s 6’3″ frame gives him excellent range at the net, and his quick tempo sets have allowed Baldwin Wallace to operate at a blistering pace. Competing in the ultra-competitive Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League (MCVL), Gundrum faces battle-tested opposition nightly, making his statistical dominance even more impressive. His ability to distribute across multiple offensive threats has been instrumental in keeping the Yellow Jackets’ championship aspirations alive.
Nathan Mitchell | Southern Virginia University | Middle Blocker | 6’6″ Mitchell has been an absolute force at the net for Southern Virginia, recording an outstanding 1.71 blocks per set that places him in the top 3 nationally in the category. The towering middle blocker racked up 12 blocks in just seven sets of play, establishing an intimidating presence that opponents must account for on every possession. Mitchell’s combination of height, timing, and court awareness has made him the anchor of Southern Virginia’s defensive system. The Knights have built their early-season success around Mitchell’s ability to shut down the middle and disrupt opposing offenses. His quick feet and active hands have earned him recognition as one of the premier shot blockers in Division III, regardless of class.
Alex Brey | Spalding University | Libero | 5’9″ Brey has proven to be a defensive titan for Spalding, posting an elite 4.12 digs per set that ranks near the top nationally among all liberos. The Baltimore-based defender collected 33 digs across eight sets, demonstrating exceptional range and ball control that has stabilized Spalding’s back-row defense. Brey’s commitment to floor coverage and his fearless diving have made him an instant fan favorite. His ability to extend rallies and give Spalding’s offense second and third chances has been crucial in keeping the Golden Eagles competitive. Brey’s positioning and anticipation skills are remarkably advanced for a freshman, suggesting he’ll only get better as the season progresses.
Caden Krzyzak | Kean University | Middle Blocker | 6’5″ Krzyzak has established himself as one of the premier shot blockers in Division III, recording 1.50 blocks per set that places him in the top-five nationally. The Vernon, New Jersey product accumulated 12 blocks across eight sets, providing Kean with an imposing net presence that has been central to their defensive identity. Playing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC), Krzyzak faces high-level competition regularly, yet his fundamentals and timing have allowed him to dominate at the net. His ability to read opposing setters and time his jumps has made him a consistent threat to stuff opposing attacks. Krzyzak’s work ethic and desire to improve suggest he’ll continue climbing the national rankings as the season unfolds.
Simon Bellenbaum | Shenandoah University | Middle Blocker | 6’5″ The Winchester, Virginia-based Bellenbaum has provided Shenandoah with a defensive anchor, recording 1.33 blocks per set that places him in the top-10 nationally. Through nine sets of action, he’s accumulated 12 total blocks, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his timing and positioning. Bellenbaum’s ability to defend across the entire net and his chemistry with Shenandoah’s setters have made him a crucial piece of the Hornets’ system. His quick lateral movement allows him to defend against the spread offense that’s become popular in D3 volleyball, and his ability to transition quickly to offense adds another dimension to his game.
Mikel Miller | Sarah Lawrence College | Middle Blocker | 6’6″ Miller gives Sarah Lawrence a formidable one-two punch alongside Jack Cahill, providing elite shot-blocking at 1.67 blocks per set. The 6’6″ middle blocker has specialized in solo blocking, showcasing his individual ability to time and execute rejections without help. Miller’s presence has allowed Sarah Lawrence to operate with confidence defensively, knowing they have a rim protector who can erase mistakes. His quick first step and active hands make him a constant threat to stuff opposing attacks, and his ability to run the middle offensively adds balance to the Gryphons’ attack.
Indi Singh | Elizabethtown College | Middle Blocker | 6’5″ Singh has brought physical presence and net dominance to Elizabethtown, recording 1.10 blocks per set in the early going. The 6’5″ middle blocker’s combination of size, athleticism, and instincts has made him an immediate factor in the Landmark Conference. Singh’s ability to seal the net and his willingness to throw his body around on defense have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. His development as the season progresses will be crucial to Elizabethtown’s hopes of making noise in conference play.
Chris Bousquet | Elms College | Libero | 5’7″ Bousquet has been a defensive wizard for Elms, recording 3.69 digs per set while earning GNAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Through 16 sets, Bousquet accumulated 59 digs, anchoring Elms’ back-row defense with exceptional range and ball control. His fearless play and commitment to floor coverage have helped the Blazers start 2-0, with victories over Sage and Curry. Bousquet’s ability to read opposing hitters and his quick reactions have made him one of the best pure defenders in Division III, earning him recognition despite competing against players who tower over him.
Nyko Whitaker | Curry College | Setter | 6’0″ Whitaker’s performance during the week of January 19 was a standout for the NEVC. In a historic sweep for Curry, he recorded 101 assists over a three-match stretch. His ability to facilitate for hitters like Chris Milfort (who won Player of the Week alongside him) has redefined Curry’s offensive ceiling in their first season in the conference. He even showed defensive versatility with a double-double (31 assists, 10 digs) in a win over Adrian.
Duncan Sturt | Rutgers-Newark | Setter | 6’2″ Sturt has orchestrated Rutgers-Newark’s offense with poise and precision, averaging 8.59 assists per set while earning NJAC Rookie of the Week honors. The 6’2″ setter from the New York metropolitan area came off the bench to provide 58 assists in critical moments, including sparking a reverse sweep of Arcadia. Sturt’s ability to distribute to multiple attackers and his eight blocks through limited action showcase his all-around game. His composure under pressure and quick decision-making have already earned him the trust of Rutgers-Newark’s coaching staff as they navigate the competitive NJAC.
Sean Frawley | Nazareth College | Outside Hitter | 6’3″ The Liverpool, New York native burst onto the scene with 23 kills across his first two collegiate matches, recording 3.83 kills per set while earning Empire 8 Rookie of the Week honors. Frawley’s .365 hitting percentage demonstrates remarkable efficiency for a freshman, and his 15 digs across two matches show he’s a complete player. His 12-kill, eight-dig performance in a five-set victory over Eastern University announced his arrival as one of the Empire 8’s most dangerous offensive threats. Frawley’s combination of power and court coverage suggests he’ll be a force throughout his career at Nazareth.
David Dzhenzherukha | Elms College | Setter | 6’1″ The Ukrainian-born setter has been masterful in running Elms’ offense, posting 9.42 assists per set while earning both GNAC Setter of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors. Dzhenzherukha’s ability to operate the quick tempo offense that Elms prefers has been crucial to their 2-0 start. The 6’1″ setter’s court vision and ability to find open hitters have made him an immediate star in the GNAC. His partnership with libero Chris Bousquet gives Elms one of the most formidable freshman duos in Division III.
Kellen Palmer | Buffalo State University | Middle Blocker | 6’10” The towering Palmer gives Buffalo State an intimidating presence at the net that few Division III programs can match. At 6’10”, the Buffalo native is one of the tallest players in D3 volleyball and has used every inch of his frame to help the Bengals achieve their historic undefeated start to the 2026 season, including victories over Misericordia and Hobart at the Hobart Tournament. Palmer, who attended powerhouse Canisius High School where he recorded 110 kills and 50 blocks during his prep career, brings both offensive and defensive capabilities to the AMCC defending champions. His combination of size, athleticism, and high school pedigree has made him an instant factor in Buffalo State’s quest to repeat as conference champions.
Dalton Lutes | Trine University | Libero | 5’10” Lutes has been a defensive stalwart for Trine, recording 2.81 digs per set across 16 sets of action. The 5’10” libero accumulated 45 digs while providing steady passing and defensive coverage for the Thunder. Playing alongside towering middle blocker Karl Both, Lutes’ ability to cover the court and extend rallies has been crucial to Trine’s early-season success in the competitive MCVL. His hustle and determination have quickly made him a favorite of Trine fans.
Jordan Griffin | Shenandoah University | Libero | 5’8″ Griffin has brought energy and consistency to Shenandoah’s back row, posting 2.73 digs per set through 11 sets of play. The Virginia native has accumulated 30 digs while anchoring the Hornets’ serve receive. Griffin’s communication skills and leadership have been impressive for a freshman, helping organize Shenandoah’s defense against top competition in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. His ability to read hitters and his quick reflexes have made him an immediate contributor.
Ali Chaudary | Rutgers-Newark | Libero | 5’5″ Chaudary has provided steady defense for Rutgers-Newark, averaging 2.80 digs per set through 10 sets of action. The freshman libero from Old Bridge, New Jersey area has accumulated 28 digs while helping stabilize the Scarlet Raiders’ back-row defense. Playing for a program with rich volleyball tradition in the NJAC, Chaudary’s floor coverage and ability to pass serve receive has allowed Rutgers-Newark’s setters to operate efficiently. His calm demeanor and consistent play have made him a reliable presence in the back row.
The Future is Now
These freshmen represent the vanguard of a new generation of Division III volleyball talent. Their immediate impact, statistical dominance, and conference recognition demonstrate that the future of D3 volleyball is in excellent hands. As the 2026 season progresses, these players will continue to develop, gain experience, and likely add to their already impressive accomplishments.
From nationally-ranked statistical leaders like Jack Cahill and Ethan Gundrum to conference award winners like Sean Frawley, this freshman class is redefining what’s possible for first-year players at the Division III level. Their combination of physical tools, technical skill, and competitive fire suggests that many of them will be household names in D3 volleyball for years to come.
As these young stars continue their collegiate careers, they carry not only their own aspirations but the hopes of their programs. The early returns suggest the Division III volleyball landscape is in for an exciting ride with this talented group leading the way.