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Rockhurst University Athletics

2025 Mens Volleyball Team

Men's Volleyball

Men’s Volleyball opens inaugural season on the road

The Rockhurst men's volleyball team begins their inaugural season on the road, facing Lindenwood Friday at 6 p.m. in St. Charles, Missouri followed by a match against McKendree on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Lebanon, Illinois.

Sixteen of the Hawks' 19 members are freshmen. Head coach Corey Marks also brought in three transfers to complete the program's inaugural recruiting class.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to lay the foundation for something special," Marks said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a program from the ground up. The energy from the players, the coaching staff, and the entire Rockhurst community has been incredible.
"It is truly inspiring to see the passion and commitment from everyone involved as we embark on this historic journey."

Junior outside hitter Shay Spadaro averaged 2.67 kills and 1.17 digs per set in two seasons at Lincoln Memorial, earning AVCA All-American and IVA All-American honors. Sophomore setter Nathan Jacques earned New England Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Year honors when averaging 6.11 assists and 1.60 digs per set during the 2022-23 season at Eastern Nazarene College.

Sophomore Jackson Daugherty, and freshmen Beau Cecil and Bailey McCue are the liberos for the Hawks.

"Our team's biggest strengths so far are our work ethic and camaraderie," Marks said. "The players have come together quickly and formed a strong bond, especially with several groups of players already being teammates before in club volleyball.

"I have also been impressed with the versatility and athleticism of the group, providing us with a lot of options and flexibility."

Freshmen Tyler Bittel, Aron DeRoy, Bryce Dillard and Daniel Mekonen will be the Rockhurst middle hitters. The outsider hitters along with Spadaro are freshmen Billy Harms, Carson Pliapol, Max Tkachev and Carter Wilson.

"Fans can expect a high-energy, fast-paced and disciplined style of play," Marks said. "Our focus is being aggressive and highly strategic in our approach.

"Communication and teamwork are at the core of how we play, and we want to showcase an exciting brand of volleyball to watch and reflects the values of our program."

Freshmen Nate Barton, Johnny Maize, Lucas Tran and Miles Young are the Hawks' opposite hitters. Joining Jacques as setters are freshmen Riley Brown and Tyler Zippay.

"Our primary goal is to establish a strong culture of hard work, teamwork, and growth," Marks said. "While we aim to compete at a high level and win matches, our focus is equally on developing as a team and setting the standard for what Rockhurst Men's Volleyball represents—both on and off the court.

"We want to build a program that emphasizes character, resilience, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court."
 
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Players Mentioned

Nathan Jacques

#3 Nathan Jacques

S
6' 0"
Sophomore
Bryce Dillard

#10 Bryce Dillard

MH
6' 4"
Freshman
Miles Young

#17 Miles Young

OPP
6' 3"
Freshman
Carson Pliapol

#4 Carson Pliapol

OH
6' 5"
Freshman
Billy Harms

#2 Billy Harms

OH / L
6' 1"
Freshman
Tyler Bittel

#30 Tyler Bittel

MH
6' 8"
Freshman
Beau Cecil

#5 Beau Cecil

L
6' 2"
Freshman
Carter Wilson

#9 Carter Wilson

OH
6' 0"
Freshman
Riley Brown

#8 Riley Brown

S
6' 1"
Freshman
Tyler Zippay

#42 Tyler Zippay

S
6' 4"
Freshman
Lucas Tran

#24 Lucas Tran

OPP
6' 6"
Freshman
Bailey McCue

#12 Bailey McCue

L
6' 2"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Nathan Jacques

#3 Nathan Jacques

6' 0"
Sophomore
S
Bryce Dillard

#10 Bryce Dillard

6' 4"
Freshman
MH
Miles Young

#17 Miles Young

6' 3"
Freshman
OPP
Carson Pliapol

#4 Carson Pliapol

6' 5"
Freshman
OH
Billy Harms

#2 Billy Harms

6' 1"
Freshman
OH / L
Tyler Bittel

#30 Tyler Bittel

6' 8"
Freshman
MH
Beau Cecil

#5 Beau Cecil

6' 2"
Freshman
L
Carter Wilson

#9 Carter Wilson

6' 0"
Freshman
OH
Riley Brown

#8 Riley Brown

6' 1"
Freshman
S
Tyler Zippay

#42 Tyler Zippay

6' 4"
Freshman
S
Lucas Tran

#24 Lucas Tran

6' 6"
Freshman
OPP
Bailey McCue

#12 Bailey McCue

6' 2"
Freshman
L