For the first time in program history, the California Lutheran University Kingsman volleyball team won the NCAA Division III Tournament Championship title, the first in program history. This was also his first appearance in the NCAA tournament for the Kingsman volleyball team.
The NCAA DIII Tournament was held at Loras University in Dubuque, Iowa. Previously, the Kingsmen defeated the Illinois Dominican University Stars 3-1 in the Sweet 16, followed by defeating the Loras College Duhawks 3-2 in the Elite Eight and the Loras College Duhawks in the Finals. He qualified with a 3-2 win. Stevens Institute of Technology's Ducks advance to the Final Four.
according to CLU Sports,”The Kingsmen won 22-3 in Division III competition, clinching an at-large berth. This will be their first time competing in the NCAA Championships.The Kingsmen started the tournament with a 3-1 win over the Dominicans. [IL]. The Kingsmen then played host Loras College in the regional tournament, defeating the Duhawks 3-2 in an epic battle.”
Senior outside hitter Ben Weber said he knew from the moment he joined the team that they had good volleyball players, and the team is aiming to qualify for the tournament and ultimately advance to the finals. He said they made a concerted effort. Championship.
“The motivation is to win a national championship and that's kind of the standard we set for ourselves and we know everyone on the team is dedicated. Really. , we're always trying to stay motivated, every practice, every little thing, every little thing, just trying to focus on that and really commit to it,'' Weber said.
Men's Volleyball Head Coach Kevin Judd began his coaching career at California Lutheran in 2006 as an assistant coach for the Regals' volleyball program. Men's volleyball was added as a varsity sport at Cal Lutheran in 2015, and Judd has coached the team ever since.
“We're nine years old and we've been working hard to get to this NCAA Tournament…the opportunity to get to the NCAA Tournament and do that is very exciting for our program,” Judd said. .
This year's Kingsmen volleyball team is comprised of 17 players who have made strides in the sport at Cal Lutheran, marking many milestones this year.
“Not only do you have to have talent, but you have to have a group where everyone is on the same page and willing to accept their role. Whether it's a starting role or a non-starting role, there has to be buy-in. It’s good to have,” Judd said. “And if that's the case, you'll have 17 players who are willing to come to practice day in and day out and give their all for the team. And this is a true testament to all 17 guys working really hard. I think this is proof.”
For the first time in program history, three of the Kingsmen earned All-American status.
Junior setter Taylor Marks was named to the All-American First Team.
“This is a first for our program and it's great. Taylor Marks' effort was really big. He came in as a freshman and has worked hard and accomplished great things,” Judd said. Told.
Senior outside hitter Jordan Cooper earned All-American Second Team honors.
“And we had a transfer player, Jordan Cooper, join the team this year. He's a very talented young man and was named to the All-American second team,” Judd said.
Senior outside hitter Michael Staal won the National Player of the Year award.
“Michael Staal was a transfer from Moorpark College. He was able to compete again this year and earn All-America honors. The collection of players, the collection of talent, and the alignment of goals helped me Our program has definitely become even stronger,” Judd said.
Judd said the program's biggest challenge is that it is an independent program.
Other universities, including Cal Lutheran athletic teams, will have the opportunity to play in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship, with a win automatically earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament.
Since Cal Lutheran men's volleyball is independent, Judd said the only way the NCAA will evaluate them is if they rank among the top 10 independent teams in the nation.
“This year, we certainly looked after business in terms of our independent standing. And in the process, we beat out a lot of strong teams that got attention on the NCAA committee,” Judd said. Ta.
Weber said one of the biggest challenges he and his team face as an independent program is the amount of travel. He said they visited Santa Cruz, California, Wisconsin, Chicago and Pennsylvania and played multiple games in a row in one day.
In just two weeks, the Kingsmen had to fly to Iowa and back to college twice.
“I would like to sincerely thank the school for supporting us as an independent program with the needs we need as a program. We want to represent CLU in the best way possible. “And we're so grateful that the school supports us as an independent program and flies us all over the country to do these activities,” Judd said.
The NCAA finals were live-streamed on Sunday, April 28, at Cal Lutheran's watch party at Croney's Sports Grill in Newbury Park.
“Just seeing all the students and the athletics staff interacting with the students, it's a really positive environment. It's a great event that brings everyone together in the community and supports our student-athletes,” Brooks said.
On Sunday, April 28, the Kingsmen defeated the Vassar College Brewers 3-0 in the national championship game.
At the end of the 2024 season, the Kingsmen had an overall record of 26-5 following their first NCAA Championship title and appearance in program history.
Sports Editor Sammy Fearn contributed to this report.