Athletics
There are moments in sports that transcend the scoreboard. On a charged Monday night in Salem, Virginia, for the first time in school history, Southern Virginia University claimed an NCAA Division III national title, sweeping Springfield College in a moment that will live long in the memory of every Knight.
They did it in front of more than 1,000 roaring fans who made the trip, creating a wave of momentum that carried the team point by point to a 3–0 win and a place in the record books.
The Knights opened with a 12–4 run that sent the Cregger Center into a frenzy, setting the tone for a performance that was both precise and passionate. It wasn’t just about one match. It was about 25 years of growth and perseverance culminating in a performance that was as electric as it was unrelenting. The final set scores were:
- Set 1: 25–20
- Set 2: 25–24
- Set 3: 27–25
When the final point dropped, the celebration wasn’t just earned; it was shared by an entire community that had trained, supported, and stood behind this team every step of the way, placing SVU among the top D3 men’s volleyball schools.
More Than a Title—a Legacy in the Making
The season-ending win for Southern Virginia University wasn’t a chance victory. SVU has been building toward victory for years with a thriving team defined by consistency and accountability. After a 3–1 win over Messiah and a five-set battle against Juniata in the semifinal, the Knights arrived at the championship not just technically ready, but mentally prepared to take the team to the finish.
The win would not have happened without the golden combination of a great team, a seasoned and decorated coach, and the competitive spirit of a well-ranked D3 school. SVU has risen in the ranks and proven itself to be one of the most determined men’s volleyball colleges in the country.
The Benefits of Playing Sports at a D3 College
The Team Behind the Triumph
Games are won moment by moment and built player by player. Behind the championship banner is a team whose unity has set them apart from the very beginning. Here are a few of their highlights:
- Christian Sheaffer led the offense with 13 kills, showing why he was named National Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player.
- Kristo Bianchin anchored both the attack and the defense, hitting over .500 and clinching the match with a final kill.
- Gehrig Tolman ran the floor with 36 assists, setting the tone and tempo throughout the match.
- Jayton Hall and Justin Madsen were key defensive anchors, with 10 and 12 digs, respectively.
- Four Knights—Jeremy Brown, Madsen, Tolman, and Sheaffer—earned All-Tournament Team honors.
It was a complete team performance, built from the ground up in practice and in the quiet moments when no one was watching. SVU student-athletes compete with heart and hustle, speaking to the school’s rising status among D3 men’s volleyball programs.
Coaching That Shapes Champions
The SVU team walked onto the court knowing they could trust each other and make game-winning decisions. That bold dependability starts at the top. Head Coach Tom Peterson brought national experience and a decorated history to the SVU team, but what mattered most was his instrumental leadership for this group of athletes.
His coaching philosophy focuses on development, accountability, and competitive resilience—knowing when to push, when to challenge, and when to step back and let the team lead itself. His impact is evident not just in the D3 men’s volleyball championship, but in the way his players speak: with humility and gratitude.
And it’s not just about this year. Coach Peterson has created a legacy within colleges with men’s volleyball teams. His impact goes beyond victories on the court to how student-athletes carry themselves in the classroom, in their community, and in their lives beyond graduation.
Train with the Best in NCAA D3 Men’s Volleyball
With its newly minted reputation as a championship-winning D3 men's volleyball school, Southern Virginia University offers:
- A nationally ranked men’s volleyball program rooted in values, work ethic, and competitive spirit.
- A coaching staff that’s invested in developing leaders, not just players.
- Facilities and resources designed for athletes who want to succeed on every level: athletically, academically, and personally.
Here, you’ll train in top-tier facilities under experienced coaches who see your potential and help you grow into it. You’ll be surrounded by teammates who will challenge you—and who will show up for you when it counts. You’ll join a university that doesn’t just celebrate success. It builds it.
Grow into the strongest version of yourself at SVU and join our student-athlete community.
Joining the Community: Become a Student Athlete at the NCAA Division III Level
