Men's Volleyball Alumni Share Pride in Winning with Current National Champions
Springfield College Men's Volleyball Alumni proudly returned to Alden Street to support this year's National Championship Team.
By: Damon Markiewicz
For the 12th time in program history, the Springfield College Men's Volleyball Team and head coach Charlie Sullivan '91, G'97, finished atop the Division III Men's Volleyball world. This year's team claimed the 2026 NCAA National Championship title. Sullivan has now been a part of six NCAA Division III National Championship titles, to go along with six Molten Division III National Championships.
The Pride knocked off third-ranked Carthage College in straight sets in front of a sold out Blake Arena on April 25, 2026, to earn its sixth NCAA Division III National Championship title. Prior to the NCAA sponsoring the sport of men's volleyball, Springfield won six Molten Division III National Championships (1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010). The Pride have now won NCAA titles in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2026.
The National Championship concluded a magical season that saw the Pride enter tournament play as the top-ranked team in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III National Poll and the top-ranked team in the NCAA Power Index.
Alumni return to support Coach Sullivan and this year's team
Prior to the 2026 National Championship match, Springfield College Men's Volleyball alumni came back to Alden Street from all over the country. The legacy that the men's volleyball alumni helped build was on full display at an alumni gathering prior to this year's championship setting. Having all the alumni back on campus during this special weekend meant a great deal to the current student‑athletes, coaches, and community.
For alumnus Sean Zuvich ’16, G’18, he boarded his flight from California, and headed back to a place that still feels like home. A three‑time national champion with the men’s volleyball program (2014, 2017, and 2018), Zuvich returned to reconnect with fellow alumni and watch the next generation of Pride athletes earn their own piece of national glory.
"It was awesome being back in Blake Arena, and feel Blake Shake throughout the night," explained Zuvich. "It was so special getting together with all of the men's volleyball alumni and families, and it was even more special watching Coach Sullivan and the team bring home another championship. The men’s volleyball program is so special. I remember my time as a student-athlete and we had tremendous support from the students, staff, faculty, and alumni. I wanted to make sure I was also paying it forward now as a proud graduate."
As part of his weekend on campus, Zuvich was able to reminisce with former teammates and fellow alumni at a social gathering at the President’s Residence. The pre-match gathering highlighted a collection of stand-out alumni, families, and friends, who have all helped make Springfield College such a special place.
“It’s always a special feeling to come back to campus,” said Zuvich. “The true value of our time at Springfield College was making the connections and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. All of the alumni returning home to Alden Street have a passion to help with the success of the College. Seeing Coach Sullivan was awesome, and having an opportunity to visit with President Mary-Beth Cooper was so great. I made so many special connections at Springfield College and I love coming back.”
Like this year’s team, Zuvich was part of the 2017 group that also had the experience of competing in the DIII men’s volleyball championship Final Four inside of Blake Arena. Thinking back to his own moments on the court, Zuvich remembers his teammates trying to maintain those bonding moments despite not traveling during championship weekend.
“I remember thinking it was so awesome to walk around campus when we were hosting and having everyone stopping us and saying good luck,” expressed Zuvich. “When you travel together as a team, and you are in the hotel, you have those opportunities to hang out as a team. In 2017, what we did to maintain that togetherness was we gathered in the Campus Union and watched the other semifinal match together. Instead of going back to our residence halls, we stayed together as a team and that was something we all appreciated. Also, Coach Sullivan has a way to keep his team focused during the championship tournament. I remember in 2017, he brought the energy every day reminding us to defend our home floor.”
Representing Springfield College, both on and off the court, is an honor that Zuvich always appreciated, and he remains thankful eight years after graduation.
“I loved my time at Springfield College and I was fortunate to be able to play for a fifth year,” explained Zuvich. “I was granted a medical redshirt my junior year, and that worked out well because I was staying at Springfield to earn my master’s degree. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and I was staying for my graduate studies. Earning two degrees and being a part of three national championships, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Currently living in his home state of California, Zuvich is enjoying life with his wife and young child. Similar to his time at Springfield College, he is grateful for all that he has in his life. He continues to appreciate everything that Springfield College prepared him to achieve and more.
“I am currently a Psychology professor and assistant athletic director at Los Angeles Harbor College,” explained Zuvich. “I taught high school for eight years after graduating college. I got married three years ago, had my first son two years ago, so life is great. Thinking back to my time at Springfield College, I think one of the biggest values I received in my education was being able to establish such meaningful connections with my teammates, coaches, and so many people on campus. I always cherish those memories, and it will be exciting to come back to Alden Street and relive some great moments.”
