Gaucho Greats Brunner, Wilcox Win AVP Palm Beach Open

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Two former Gauchos took home AVP silverware this past Memorial Day weekend, as Theo Brunner and Ryan Wilcox teamed up to win the 2025 Palm Beach Open.
 
The first AVP Contender event of the season, it was also the first time the duo have played together in any AVP competition. They proved to be a solid team, winning both of their pool play matches on Saturday morning to earn the No. 2 seed ahead of the single elimination playoffs. Then, with a 21-19, 21-19 round of 16 victory, they were through to Sunday’s quarterfinals.
 
The Gaucho legends stayed alive with a very tight 21-19, 18-21, 15-13 win in the quarters before a sweep (21-17, 21-18) of third-seeded Evan Cory and Caleb Kwekel to advance to the championship. Facing No. 9 Rowdy Lennon and Logan Mister, the teams traded the first two sets to force a decisive third set. After Brunner/Wilcox got out to a 9-8 lead, they rattled off six in a row crown themselves champions via a 21-18, 18-21, 15-8 victory.
 
Overall, the pair went undefeated playing six matches in two days in 90-degree Florida weather. With the championship win, they automatically receive a wild card berth to the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open beginning August 15.
 
Brunner, a middle blocker, was an AVCA First-Team All-American in 2007 and four-time All-MPSF selection from 2005-2008. Wilcox, an outside hitter, was the AVCA Newcomer of the Year in 2019, a four-time AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, and two-time All-Big West First Team selection playing 2019-2023.
 
Fans can watch a replay of the championship match on the AVP Beach Volleyball YouTube channel and find full tournament results at volleyballlife.com.