2/25/26
Brandon Sharp has been the quiet engine behind the Messiah University men’s volleyball program’s recent success, and on February 21, the junior setter from Brentwood, California, reached a milestone that underscores just how productive his career has been. Sharp recorded his 2,000th career assist during the Falcons’ 3-1 victory over No. 9 Southern Virginia University, a win that also served as a rematch of last season’s NCAA Elite Eight matchup.
The milestone came in the midst of a 40-assist performance against the Knights, a nationally ranked opponent that Messiah defeated on Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena. Sharp finished the match with 40 assists and nine digs as the Falcons outhit the Knights .240 to .145. The Southern Virginia match was a statement win for No. 8 Messiah, and Sharp’s steady orchestration of the offense was central to it.
Sharp’s path to 2,000 assists has been one of consistent growth. In his first year (2024), he appeared in 25 matches, logging 554 assists at a clip of 6.37 per set, a strong debut for a setter stepping into a Division III program with NCAA tournament aspirations. His sophomore campaign was where he announced himself at the national level. He started 28 of 29 matches, led the MAC conference with 10.01 assists per set, totaled 1,001 assists on the season, and earned AVCA All-American Second Team honors along with All-MAC First Team recognition. He also contributed 183 digs and 54 blocks, demonstrating the well-rounded game that distinguishes elite setters at any level.
Now in his junior season, Sharp has been equally productive with 516 assists through 16 matches, averaging 9.56 per set. The Falcons, who finished 26-4 a season ago and reached the NCAA Elite Eight, entered 2026 ranked No. 5 nationally and have faced a brutal schedule that includes eight teams ranked in the AVCA Preseason Top 20.
Much of what makes Sharp’s assist totals so meaningful is the caliber of the hitters on the receiving end. Outside hitter Alex Kagoro has been the primary beneficiary, routinely producing double-digit kill nights and carrying one of the more dangerous swings in Division III. Tyler McConnell provides a reliable second option with a consistent and efficient attack, while Jake Eby and Todd Snyder, the reigning MAC Rookie of the Year, give Sharp versatile weapons at the net. The ability to distribute sets effectively among multiple threats is what separates a good setter from a great one, and Sharp’s production reflects that kind of court intelligence throughout his Messiah career.
With the MAC season just beginning and the Falcons positioned as a legitimate contender, Sharp’s career totals will only continue to climb.