Kuziela Named AVCA All-Region, Mueller Tabbed Region IV Coach of the Year

Becomes first in program history to reel in national honor

4/13/2026 1:05:00 PM

AVCA Release

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Following a historic season, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team reeled in two American Volleyball Coaches Association honors, announced by the organization Monday, April 13. Sophomore Ethan Kuziela (Chicago, Ill.-Marist) became the first Titan to be named All-Region, while head coach Brandon Mueller was named the Region IV Coach of the Year.

Kuziela powered the Titans all season, helping the team lead Division III in kills per set (13.41) and assists per set (12.35), while the sophomore finished with a nation-leading five triple-double performances. Kuziela totaled team-highs of 330 kills, an average of 3.24 per set, 635 assists, averaging 6.23 per set, all of which shattered the program's previous single-season records. The Chicago, Ill. native also led the team in aces with 29, third-most all-time, and was second on the team in digs (184) and blocks (68), both of which also rank third in team history. His dominant offensive performance was aided by an impressive .343 attack percentage.

Along with becoming the first all-region honoree, Kuziela was the first Titan to be named First Team All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. He earned five CCIW Setter of the Week honors, and one CCIW Hitter of the Week accolade. Kuziela was the second Titan to earn AVCA National Player of the Week honors, reeling in the award Feb. 17.

Leading the Titans to a historic season, Mueller earned his first AVCA Region IV Coach of the Year honor after his team saw a 10-win improvement from a season ago and its best CCIW slate, as IWU finished the year 22-6 overall, and 8-2 in league play. Mueller's squad made its first postseason appearance, earning the second seed in the CCIW Tournament, and defeated 10th-ranked Loras in the semifinal match to advance to the CCIW Tournament Championship for the first time ever. Illinois Wesleyan also earned its first AVCA Coaches Poll ranking, checking in at No. 20 before bumping up to a program-best 16th. Mueller helped the Green and White post a 4-4 record against nationally-ranked opponents, including beating No. 10 Loras twice for the best ranking in program history. Mueller, the head of the conference coaching staff of the year, coached three All-CCIW honorees, the most in program history, and helped Aydin Provost earn the team's first specialty award, as he was named the CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year.

Kuziela will advance to the All-American ballot, while Mueller will move on to be considered for the national coach of the year accolade.

Print Friendly Version