News Summary
The UCLA men’s volleyball team’s season concluded with a disappointing loss to Long Beach State in the NCAA tournament finals. Star player Cooper Robinson excelled during the season, but the team faces significant adjustments as they transition to the 2026 season. With several key players graduating, including Robinson, the Bruins must fill important roster spots while leveraging the talent of returning players. Anticipated matchups against BYU will further test the team’s resilience and preparation for the future.
Columbus, Ohio – The UCLA men’s volleyball team concluded its 2025 season on May 12 with a disappointing defeat, as they were swept by Long Beach State in the NCAA tournament final held at the Covelli Center. This recent loss marks the end of a season filled with highs and lows, leaving the team with important decisions about its future roster as they move towards the 2026 season.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, redshirt junior outside hitter Cooper Robinson emerged as a standout performer. Following the graduation of Ethan Champlin, Robinson not only filled the gap but thrived, earning the title of 2025 MPSF Player of the Year and securing a position on the AVCA First Team All-American list. With 365 kills, 120 digs, and 41 service aces, he ranked 11th in the nation for hitting percentage at .387 and stood 25th in kills per set at 3.56.
As the team transitions into next year, Robinson’s anticipated professional career overseas poses a significant challenge. He is one of five Bruins set to graduate in June, alongside regular starters Sean McQuiggan and Matthew Aziz. The loss of these key players will necessitate substantial adjustments, but the team will return four critical starters, ensuring a foundation for the upcoming season.
Among the returning players is junior setter Andrew Rowan, a three-time AVCA First Team All-American, who is considered essential for the team’s aspirations for the future. Additionally, Cameron Thorne, a two-time AVCA All-American and a superior middle blocker, closed the season with an impressive .521 hitting percentage and ranked 13th nationally with 1.06 blocks per set.
Two other key returnees are junior outside hitters Zach Rama and freshman Sean Kelly. Rama demonstrated significant improvement towards the end of the season, achieving double-digit kills in ten consecutive matches and earning a place on the NCAA All-tournament team. Kelly also had a strong finish, receiving All-MPSF honorable mention and scoring double-digit kills in eight of his last eleven matches.
Despite returning players, the Bruins face uncertainties with the libero position due to Aziz’s upcoming graduation. Players Curci, McDonough, and Chun are potential candidates to step into this pivotal role. Curci has shown versatility and may become the team’s defensive anchor, although establishing a solid libero is crucial for the team’s stability.
As the Bruins prepare for the 2026 season, they will have several open positions to fill, including a third pin hitter and a backup middle blocker. Redshirt sophomore David Decker is expected to compete for the third pin hitter role alongside incoming recruit Grayson Bradford, who has garnered attention as a highly rated talent from Mira Costa in California.
To strengthen their lineup, potential recruits are also on UCLA’s radar, such as Filippos Chrysostomou, a pin hitter with valuable professional experience, and Brogan Glenn, who may be considered for the libero position. Setter Rafa Urbina, who earned recognition as the best setter at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championships, will join an already strong position group.
Additionally, the Bruins are scheduled to face BYU in two matches at Pauley Pavilion on April 11-12, 2026, marking a historic broadcast on the Big 10 Network for men’s volleyball. Currently, UCLA’s performance statistics show a strong standing at 17-4 with a 7-1 MPSF record, while BYU stands at 17-7 and holds a 5-3 MPSF record. With a mix of returning talent and incoming recruits, the Bruins will look to build on this year’s experiences as they anticipate a promising future.
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Men’s Volleyball Adds Alex Knight as Assistant Coach
- Wikipedia: Men’s Volleyball
- UCLA Men’s Volleyball 2025-2026 Season Predictions
- Google Search: UCLA Men’s Volleyball 2025
- BYU Travels to No. 2 UCLA for Historic Broadcast
- Google Scholar: Men’s Volleyball 2025
- Hawaii Men’s Volleyball Drops NCAA Semifinal Match to UCLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Men’s Volleyball
- No. 2 UCLA Men’s Volleyball Takes Down No. 7 BYU
- Google News: UCLA Men’s Volleyball Season
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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