Kuziela Named AVCA First Team All-American

Sophomore becomes first in program history

4/20/2026 1:34:00 PM

AVCA Release

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A sensational sophomore season landed Ethan Kuziela (Chicago, Ill.-Marist) of the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American honors, announced by the organization Monday, April 20. Kuziela becomes the first All-American in program history following a historic season for the Titans.

Along with becoming the first All-American, Kuziela earned IWU's first-ever all-region honor and was the first 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.

Kuziela powered the Titans all season, helping the team lead Division III in kills per set (13.41) and assists per set (12.35). The sophomore also finished with a nation-leading five triple-double performances, which was more than the rest of NCAA Division III combined. 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 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.

The sophomore is one of four CCIW student-athletes named to the first team, as he is joined by Bo Brainerd III from Loras College, and Carthage College's Ryan Bartz and Ryan Morey. Ben Heise from Carthage was a second team honoree.

Kuziela helped lead the Green and White to 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. The Titans are set to return all but one for the 2027 campaign.

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