After leading his squad to the Elite Eight last season, Kentucky volleyball head coach Craig Skinner has put together another challenging schedule in hopes of making an even deeper run in 2025.

The program released its non-conference schedule for the upcoming season earlier this week, and it’s loaded with some of the sport’s best teams. All four of last season’s Final Four contenders make up Kentucky’s 10-game non-conference slate for the 2025 campaign. That includes Pittsburgh, which beat the Wildcats in the Elite Eight back in December, along with Louisville, Penn State, and Nebraska. Penn State went on to win the national title over Louisville.

Kentucky will face Penn State and Louisville on the road, while the matchups with Pitt and Nebraska will take place in neutral settings at Fort Worth (TX) and Nashville (TN), respectively. The likes of Washington, SMU, and New Hampshire — all NCAA Tournament teams in 2024 — are also on the Wildcats’ non-conference schedule. UK will host Ohio State for its lone exhibition.

The boys All-Star teams for both the Mid-State League and District 6 Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association were recently released, and a pair of DuBois players were among those honored amongst those squads.

DuBois senior outside hitter Ethan Rusnica actually landed on both the league Mid-State League All-Star squad, as well as the First Team on the Class 2A squad as part of the District 6 Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association teams.

Rusnica was joined on the Mid-State League team by senior teammate Kyan Peck, who was one of two setters to garner honors.

League champion West Shamokin led the way with five Mid-State All-Stars in seniors Bradyn Rogers (middle hitter), Travis Johns (outside hitter) and Jesse Cessna (opposite hitter), junior Aiden Oesterling (setter) and sophomore Anderson Fowler (middle hitter).

Central had four All-Stars in seniors Bryson Brooks (outside hitter) and Hayden Smith (middle hitter) and the junior duo of Christian Heuston (opposite hitter) and Blake Reynolds (libero).

Rounding out the Mid-State squad were Forest Hills seniors Isaac Valko (middle hitter) and Eli Rudnik (opposite hitter) and Bishop Guilfoyle sophomore Brenden Young (setter).

When it came to the Class 2A Coaches Association First Team, Rusnica was joined by host of familiar faces from the league.

West Shamokin, the D-6 2A champs, once again led the way with five selections, with Johns, Rodgers, Oesterling and Fowler all earning double-honors like Rusnica. The lone difference was the Wolves was senior libero Braden Newell landed on the Coaches Association First Team.

Central’s Heuston and Brooks rounded out the Class 2A squad.

The Coaches Association also seleted a First Team in Class 3A, which was comprised of players from Altoona and State College — two schools that play outside the Mid-State League in the regular season. Both schools had four All-Stars.

Selections from State College were seniors Carter Weight (outside hitter) and Deondre Sheffey (middle hitter), junior Derrick Campbell (setter) and sophomore Ty Miller (libero).

Altoona players were garner honors were seniors Lukas Weathersbee (outside hitter), Saturnino Yohn (libero) and Luke Mitchell (middle hitter) and junior Caleb Terza (setter).

Santa Clara University’s men’s water polo program is set to enhance its roster with eight incoming freshmen for the 2025 season. This impressive class brings a wealth of talent with diverse backgrounds spanning high school, club, and international play. Head coach Keith Wilbur expressed excitement about their potential, highlighting their work ethic and character. Notable recruits include Ashton Brown, a center from Australia with national championship experience, and Jamie de Zwart, a Texas standout also named state MVP. Together, they aim to bolster the team’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.

By the Numbers

• Ashton Brown is a three-time national club champion and top scorer at various levels.
• Jamie de Zwart led his high school to a 32-0-1 perfect season and earned state MVP honors.

State of Play

• The incoming class is expected to fill critical positions and enhance team dynamics.
• Santa Clara aims to compete effectively in the Western Conference, targeting a championship run.

What’s Next

As preparation for the upcoming season begins, these recruits will integrate into training with returning players, setting the stage for competing in a challenging league. Their immediate contributions could play a pivotal role in achieving team goals.

Bottom Line

The addition of these eight freshmen is a strategic move for Santa Clara’s men’s water polo program, underscoring a commitment to enhance talent and competitiveness, positioning the team for potential championship success.