McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team is set to commence its 2025 season with a home game against Concordia University Wisconsin. The match will take place at the Shirk Center on Thursday, January 16, starting at 7 p.m.

This marks the first time in program history that Illinois Wesleyan opens its season at home. Head Coach Brandon Mueller, now in his fifth year, leads a team featuring ten returning players from last year's squad that achieved an 11-14 record. This ties for the most wins in a single season for the program. Seniors Vince DiCosola, Ryan Myers, and Luke Hartke will serve as captains for the upcoming season.

Following the graduation of its first senior class, Illinois Wesleyan introduces ten freshmen to its roster. These newcomers include Ben Zima, Dylan McKeon, Cael Whitchurch, Ethan Kuziela, Charlie Bialek, Lane Sunley, Wilson Spaulding, Gavin Rohlwing, Trey Marek, and Daniel Overstreet.

The coaching staff also sees new additions with familiar faces as Michael Eastman and Alec Mucha join as assistant coaches. Both are former team members who graduated after the 2024 season. Eastman was notable for being the program's first All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection and holds several records for career points and kills. Mucha ranks fourth in program history for blocks and eighth in career kills.

Returning players include three of last year's top-five hitters: Bryce Williams led with 188 kills; Jake Kougan tied third with 108; and Hartke followed with 93 kills. Kougan also returns as a leading server with 17 aces last season.

Vince DiCosola remains a key player as he is the only one in program history to achieve over 1000 career assists. Last year he led IWU with 359 assists while Brenden Reutter followed closely behind.

Defensively, Jace Milka served as libero last season accumulating a team-high of 212 digs. Kougan leads net defense entering his final year after recording significant blocks last season.

Illinois Wesleyan previously faced Concordia University Wisconsin once before on February 13th last year where they lost in four sets away from home.

The live stream of Thursday's match will feature commentary by Matt Sosler and Alex Bardouniotis throughout much of this season’s broadcasts.