News Summary
The UCLA men’s volleyball team concluded its season with a loss to Long Beach State in the NCAA tournament final. Despite a successful season overall, the Bruins face significant roster changes with the graduation of key players. Looking ahead, they are poised to retain several talented starters while also recruiting to strengthen their lineup. This transition period is crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season and aim to maintain competitiveness in collegiate volleyball.
Columbus, Ohio – UCLA Men’s Volleyball Concludes 2025 Season with NCAA Tournament Final Sweep
The UCLA men’s volleyball team wrapped up its 2025 season after being swept by Long Beach State in the NCAA tournament final on May 12, 2025, at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio. This loss concluded a season during which the Bruins demonstrated significant skill, finishing with a record of 22-6 overall and an impressive 10-2 record in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF).
Redshirt junior Cooper Robinson was a notable standout this season, named the 2025 MPSF Player of the Year and selected as an AVCA First Team All-American. He ranked 11th in the nation for hitting percentage, finishing the season at .387, and 25th in kills per set with an average of 3.56. Robinson culminated his season leading the Bruins with 365 kills, 120 digs, and 41 service aces.
As the team looks ahead to next season, they face the loss of five graduating seniors, including Robinson, middle blocker Sean McQuiggan, and libero Matthew Aziz. These departures raise questions about roster stability and performance as the Bruins prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.
Key Retentions and Rising Stars
On a positive note, UCLA is expected to retain four key starters for the 2026 season. This includes three players who were recognized as AVCA All-Americans in 2025. Junior setter Andrew Rowan, essential to the Bruins’ offensive strategy, has received AVCA First Team All-American honors three times, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Meanwhile, junior middle blocker Cameron Thorne led the team with a remarkable .521 hitting percentage and was recognized nationally, ranking 13th with an average of 1.06 blocks per set. The Bruins also look to build on the promising performances from their new outside hitting duo. Zach Rama emerged as a key player, maintaining a streak of 10 consecutive matches with double-digit kills and earning NCAA All-tournament team honors. Additionally, Sean Kelly demonstrated his potential, achieving All-MPSF honorable mention and recording double-digit kills in eight of his last 11 matches.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these promising players, the Bruins face challenges, particularly in the libero position. UCLA’s defensive performance was inconsistent during the 2025 season, ranking outside the nation’s top 50 in digs per set. As Matthew Aziz graduates, the only remaining liberos are sophomore Luca Curci and junior Coleman McDonough, the latter of whom has limited experience, having played in just 13 sets. The Bruins are expected to consider recruiting a more traditional libero for the upcoming season.
Furthermore, with three starting positions open for the 2026 season, including the vital third pin hitting spot, there is a chance for fresh talent to emerge. Redshirt sophomore opposite David Decker is anticipated to fill one of the roles, with incoming recruit Grayson Bradford from Mira Costa High School viewed as a strong contender. UCLA may also need to seek a backup middle blocker following McQuiggan’s departure.
Recruitment and Future Prospects
The Bruins have already begun to make moves for the upcoming season, with recruits including pin hitter Filippos Chrysostomou from Cyprus, libero Brogan Glenn, and setter Rafa Urbina, who was honored as the best setter at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championships. With significant roster turnover expected, the Bruins may see fresh faces getting valuable playing time in the 2026 season as they look to build on their strong foundation.
As the UCLA men’s volleyball team transitions into a new era, the coming season will be crucial for the program as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge in collegiate volleyball.
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Men’s Volleyball Advances to NCAA Title Match
- Wikipedia: NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship
- USC Men’s Volleyball Closes Regular Season Against UCLA
- Google Search: UCLA Men’s Volleyball
- UCLA Men’s Volleyball Set for NCAA Semifinal
- Google Scholar: NCAA Men’s Volleyball
- UCLA Men’s Volleyball 2025-2026 Season Predictions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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