Springfield College Men's Volleyball to Represent USA in World University Games

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield College men’s volleyball program has been selected to represent the United States in the upcoming World University Games, to be held in Kazan, Russia, from July 6-17.

Held every other year, the World University Games are organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).  The multi-sport competition is open to men and women who are between the ages of 17 and 24 and are, or have been within the past year, a student at a college or university. 

“We are extremely honored that our men's volleyball team will represent Team USA at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia this summer," said Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn.  "Head coach Charlie Sullivan and the students have helped continue a winning tradition in men's volleyball at Springfield College, including capturing two-consecutive NCAA Division III National Championships.  We wish coach Sullivan and his team the best of luck as they prepare for this exciting event.”

While most sports competing in the World University Games are chosen by their national governing body, volleyball, water polo, tennis, fencing and rugby sevens will be represented by individual collegiate teams. Springfield College will join Kansas State, University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, USC and Navy as the only colleges fielding teams at the World University Games.

Springfield College student-athletes Greg Falcone, Mike Pelletier, Jimmy O’Leary, Nick Ferry, Keaton Pieper, Luis Vega, Jason Mascoe, Ryan Lilley, Ryan Quesenberry, Eric Johnson, Greg Woods, and Eric Brawn will represent the United States of America this summer.

“I want to sincerely thank Springfield College and President Flynn for supporting this once-in-a-lifetime trip and experience for our program,” said head coach Charlie Sullivan.  “Being selected to compete on the international level and represent our nation is truly a testament to all our alums who have dedicated themselves to helping this program get to a high level.”

The United States will be one of 23 nations from across the globe that will be competing in men’s volleyball in the games.  It is one of six teams in Pool A and will square off against Russia, Korea, Hong Kong, Estonia, and Belarus.

Built on a foundation that includes the inventor of game, William G. Morgan, calling the school his alma mater, the Springfield College men's volleyball program has established itself as one of the premier programs in the nation.  A championship pedigree has been a staple of Springfield College under head coach Charlie Sullivan, as the Pride has captured eight national championships, including the 2012 and 2013 NCAA Division III Championships and six Molten Division III National Championships from 1997-2010.  Now in his 15th year on the sidelines, Sullivan has been named the AVCA Division III National Coach of the Year two of the past four seasons, and as a team.  During the past four seasons, Springfield has racked up an overall record of 103-34, including a remarkable 78-7 mark against Division III foes.