Springfield College Men's Volleyball Alumnus Remembers Special

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:00

By: Damon Markiewicz

When Springfield College alumnus Sean Zuvich ’16, G’18, boards his flight from California, he’s heading straight 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 returns this weekend to reconnect with fellow alumni and watch the next generation of Pride athletes compete for national glory. Starting on Thursday, April 23, Springfield College once again hosts the NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship for the first time since Zuvich helped lead the team in 2017.

“The Springfield College Men’s Volleyball program, led by head coach Charlie Sullivan ’91, G’97, is so special,” explained Zuvich. “I remember my time as a student-athlete and we had tremendous support from the students, staff, faculty, and alumni. It’s exciting to be able to come back home to Alden Street and watch this year’s team compete inside of a packed Blake Arena.”

The Pride will compete in the first of two semifinal matches on Thursday, April 23, when they take on California Lutheran University starting at 5:00 PM. A win on Thursday will place Springfield College in the national championship match on Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 PM. As part of his weekend on campus, Zuvich will be able to reminisce with former teammates and fellow alumni at a social gathering at the President’s Residence. The pre-match gathering will highlight 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 will last 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 is going to be awesome, and having an opportunity to visit with President Mary-Beth Cooper will be 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. It’s a very special feeling for student-athletes to enjoy the atmosphere of a packed Blake Arena, and literally feeling Blake shake during the tournament. 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.”