2025 Season

Tyrone Ealy

Hometown: Collinsville, IL
Height: 6'6"
Position: OPP
Major: Social Work

"I chose GU because they are giving me an opportunity to continue my career, and I have been around Greenville multiple times."

Sergi Puigdevall Robles

Hometown: Argelaguer (Catalonia), Spain
Height: 5'7"
Position: Outside
Major: History

Accomplishments: Qualified twice for the top 16 teams of Catalonia, pre-selected by the Catalan Regional Team

"I think GU is an example all universities should try to follow in terms of ethics, culture, and fellowship."

Carter Clark

Hometown: Greenville, IL
Height: 7'1"
Position: OPP/MB
Major: Sports Management

"I'm so excited to be joining the program and to have the opportunity to be coached by Coach Butler, and to play on a team of awesome guys! Go Panthers!"

Caleb Day

Hometown: Belleville, IL
Club Team: Blue Steel
Height: 6'1"
Position: Middle Blocker
Intended major: Mechanical Engineering

Accomplishments: playing varsity after second year, winning most athletic award, qualifying for nationals in club volleyball, finishing 5th in club season

"I want to play at GU because volleyball is one of my biggest passions. The people and my future teammates are what I'm looking forward to." 

Jay Ramirez

Hometown: Houston, TX
Previous School: Bryant & Stratton College-Wisconsin
Height: 5'8"
Position: L/DS
Major: Business Management

Accomplishments: Defense Player of the Year at BSC (2023, 2024)

"I chose GU Men's Volleyball because I was excited to continue my education and athletics at a more competitive level and to build a new foundation for men's volleyball at GU."

Sam Molitor

Hometown: Batavia, IL
Previous School: College of Dupage
Height: 6'2"
Position: Outside
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Accomplishments: Varsity starter, high school national tournament MVP, third place finish in 2024 NJCAA national finals

"I chose Greenville volleyball because it was the right fit for my goals and values. Their attitude toward volleyball promotes excellence and focus, and I am very excited to be a part of the family."

Kevin Scott McGhee Jr.

Hometown: Melrose Park, IL
Previous School: Kentucky State University
Height: 6'2"
Position: Setter
Major: Secondary Education

Accomplishments: 1st in team assists and 2nd in team digs - freshman year

"I chose GU Men's Volleyball because before I even committed, I felt like family. They also align with my teaching goals."

Hunter Paulson

Hometown: Byron, MN
Previous School: Bryant & Stratton College-Wisconsin
Height: 6'5"
Position: Middle Blocker
Major: Audio Engineering

John Gannucci

Hometown: Hermantown, MN
High School: Hermantown High School
Club Team: MN North
Height: 6'0"
Position: Outside
Intended major: Accounting

Accomplishments: All-Conference player Minnesota

"I am grateful to get to play volleyball in college. I am also very excited to play volleyball at Greenville."

2021 Season

Kolby McCann

Hometown: Rockford, IL
High School: Jefferson High School
Club Team: VC United
Height: 5'9"
Position: Outside Hitter/Opposite Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Intended major: Physics

Isaiah Castro

Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Curie Metro High School
Club Team: Chicago Elite VC
Height: 5'11"
Position: Opposite hitter
Intended major: Undecided

Accomplishments: 2 year varsity starter 

Dean Loveridge

Hometown: Sacramento, CA
High School: Elk Grove High School
Club Team: Legends
Height: 6'4"
Position: Outside Hitter/Opposite
Intended major: Business Management

Accomplishments: Won state in 2019 

2020 Season

Jacob Hughes

Hometown: Cantrall, IL
High School: Athens
Height: 6'0"
Position: Setter
Intended major: Elementary Education

Accomplishments: High Honors Roll, National Honor Society, Homecoming King

"After visiting GU, and talking with Coach Nelson, I am excited about starting my new chapter in Greenville. I have always wanted to play volleyball ever since I was little. I look forward to furthering my faith and education while pursuing my dream of teaching and being a part of the Panther Family."

James Ethan Bell

Hometown: Kirkwood, MO
High School: Kirkwood High School
Previous College: Quincy University
Club Team: HPSTL
Height: 6'5"
Position: Outside
Intended major: Engineering

Accomplishments: Deaf PanAm best hitter award, all conference for high school volleyball, all state teams for high school.

"I am looking forward to attending Greenville to further my education while also playing for Greenville’s men’s volleyball team. I'm excited to see what this program can become in the next 4 years. I hope to be an asset for the team both on and off the court during my time at Greenville."

Andrew Tigas

Hometown: Long Beach, CA
High School: Long Beach Poly
Club Team: Beach Cities Volleyball Club
Height: 5'7"
Position: Libero/DS
Intended major: Pre-Med/Nursing

Accomplishments: 2-year varsity starter, MVP after sophomore year, 4 Year varsity player, 2 Year Varsity Captain, 2 Year First Team All Moore league, Venice beach tournament All team,Long Beach Poly Best all Around Player

"I chose GU because it felt like the right fit for me and because it’s a school that will strengthen my walk with Christ. I also wanted to be part of a volleyball team that felt like Family."

Nick Grote

Hometown: Granite City, Illinois
High School: Granite City Senior High
Height: 6’9”
Position: Middle Blocker
Intended Major: Business

Accomplishments: All Warrior Award for Basketball. Varsity Starter for 2 years on Volleyball.

"Volleyball has really meant a lot to me lately and I’ve made lots of friendships with others and I was super excited when I received the chance to play in college. I chose Greenville because the people there make me feel very welcomed and it’s still close to home."

2019 Season

Jerome Lewis

Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Christian Brothers College High School
Height: 6’1”
Position: Middle
Major: Psychology

Accomplishments: 2-year varsity starter, MVP after sophomore year

"I knew Greenville University was a great fit to me when I stepped foot on the campus and the court. I got so attached and fell in love and knew it would be a perfect fit. As an athlete when making a college selection you want the team and everything around you to feel like family and I found that at Greenville. I’m so blessed to be able to start my new journey as a Greenville University panther."

Farooq Gibani

Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
High School: Diamond Ranch High School
Club: Pulse VBC
Height: 6’2”
Major: Business

Accomplishments: MVP All-league, Most Offensive Player, Team Captain, First Team All-league, CIF D5 Championship

"I have always wanted to go out of state for school and once GU offered me the opportunity to play volleyball as well, I knew I was going to do it. The nice area, the friendly teammates, and the qualities that I experienced help finalize my decision"

EJ Batchelder

Hometown: Rochester, Illinois
High school: Rochester High School
Club Team: RUMV
Height: 5’11”
Position: Libero
Major: Math

Accomplishments: 2017 Spartan Park Beach Volleyball Tournament Champions, 2016 Top 10 finish in Illinois College Volleyball Tournament fundraiser for Leukemia, Baptized 2012

"I’m super excited about this upcoming year at Greenville University. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me, as I continue to improve as an athlete, a student, and a person."

DeMari Greenwood

Hometown: Murphysboro Illinois
High School: Murphysboro High School
Height: 6”2
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Pre-Nursing

Accomplishments: 3 year varsity letter

"I choose GU because it is turning my dream into a reality and also bringing me closer with God!" 

2018 Season

Tim Neff

Hometown: Swansea, IL
High School: Belleville West
Club: SWI Crush
Height: 6’2”
Major: Sports Management

Accomplishments: Regional Championship 2016, All-Conference Scholar Athlete 2016, 3rd Team All-Conference 2016, Scholar Athlete 2015 & 2014

"I like the team/family atmosphere of the volleyball team, as well as the smaller school size."

Marcus Gonzalez

Hometown: Elgin, IL
High School: Elgin High School
Club: Pipeline Volleyball Club
Height:  6'2"
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Biology

Accomplishments: 2014 Best Surprise Athlete, Upstate Eight Academic All-Conference, Upstate Eight All-Conference Honorable Mention, Co-Captain, National Honor Society

“I chose Greenville College because I love the friendly atmosphere of the players as well as the coaches. When I came for a visit, only staying one night, I felt like I was part of the community and team. Instantly I knew this is where I wanted to go. On the academic side, Greenville is an excellent school for what I want to major in, biology. I’m more than looking forward to attending Greenville and being a Panther.”

Ryan Nelson

Hometown: O'Fallon, IL
High School: O'Fallon Township High School
Club: High Performance
Height: 5'8
Position: Libero
Major: Digital Media

Accomplishments: 2nd Team All Conference 2015, 1st Team All Conference 2016, Scholar Athlete Award 2014-2016, 2015 & 2016 Regional Champions, 2015 Elite Eight State Finish, Member of USA Men's Deaflympic Team

 "I like the feeling of community present at Greenville College. I am excited to be part of a team while being able to grow my relationship with God.”

Nico Torres

Hometown: Hollywood, FL
High School: South Broward High School
Club: MVP Academy
Height: 5’10”
Position: Libero/Setter
Major: Accounting

Accomplishments: 2 year varsity captain

“Making my decision with Greenville wasn’t difficult. With an environment so peaceful and homelike, I personally felt right at home”.

2017 Season

George Black

Hometown: Rogers, Arkansas
High School: Rogers High
Club: Kaizen of Oklahoma City
Height: 6' 3
Major: Math Education

"Greenville is a Christian school that will allow me to develop as a person and an athlete. I knew this was the place I wanted to attend when I came for my campus visit. Coach Ackerman is a great coach and I felt at home when I was with the guys on the team."

Coach Ackerman – "George is a gifted athlete and he will be an excellent teammate.  We are very impressed with George’s maturity and we are excited to see him develop as a player and as a person in his time at GC."

Luke Mauritz

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
High school: Eagle Ridge Academy
Club: North Country Region
Height: 6'2
Major: Business Management

Accomplishments: Starting outside/libero all four years of high school, starting wide receiver in football freshman and sophomore year, NCR Area Championships all tournament team, Varsity basketball player junior year.

"I chose to go to Greenville because they offer a good education and campus life while still maintaining a strong and healthy Christian environment."

Coach Ackerman - "We are happy to add another experience player to our roster. Luke will fit in well with our guys and will be an asset to the team."

Manuel Benitez

Hometown: Miami Florida
High School: Unity center for urban technologies high school
Club:N/A
Height: 6'4
Major: Pre-pharmacy

Accomplishments: 2015 All-Conference 2nd team

"My decision to attend Greenville came from the feeling that I already belonged. I felt welcomed as soon as I stepped on campus, not just emotionally but spiritually. Greenville is known for its academic and athletic success; I'm ready to be part of the LEGACY!"

Coach Ackerman - "Manny is one of the most explosive players I have seen and he will contribute on the court for us immediately. He is a mature player who will add a stability to our team on and off the court."

Logan Dameris

Hometown: Pana, IL
Highschool: Pana HS
Height: 6’0
Position: Libero
Major: Biology

Accomplishments: 3 Year Varsity Starter for Soccer, Varsity Soccer Captain (Senior), 3rd Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete (4 Years), Illinois State Scholar

"I have decided to attend Greenville College, because it will allow me to grow spiritually as a student, athlete, and as a person. I loved the positive and uplifting vibe of the campus when I visited and knew it was the place for me. Greenville has blessed me with the chance to play organized volleyball, which I have never had the opportunity to do!"

Coach Ackerman - "We are very excited to have Logan join our roster and we can’t wait to see how he develops as a volleyball player. Logan is an excellent student and a great fit for Greenville College."

2016 Season

Andrew Johnson

Hometown: Hillsboro, MO
High School: Northwest High School
Club: High Performance
Height: 6’0
Position: Libero/Setter
Major: Special Education

Accomplishments: 2012-2015 Varsity Starter, National Camp A3 Division, All District Choir Two Consecutive Years

"I chose Greenville because it is the type of college that will help me become more of a person and a developed man of God."

Coach Ackerman - "Andrew is our first official recruit and he is an excellent player. We are thrilled to have his caliber as a foundation for building our program. He has the ability to contribute in more than one position and his passion for the game will be contagious."

Cooper Eaker

Hometown: Auburn, IL
High School: Auburn High School
Height: 6’5
Position: Middle Blocker
Major: Youth Ministry

Accomplishments: Two-Time All-Area, All-Conference Football Tight End, Two-Time All Tournament Team, All-Conference Basketball Guard, All-Conference Baseball Pitcher

"I was looking for a place where I could not only further my education and advance my athletic career, but also continue to strengthen my walk with Christ. Greenville was the perfect opportunity for both of those."

Coach Ackerman - "Cooper is an incredible athlete and he will develop into an excellent middle for us. His athleticism and maturity are exactly what we look for in a quality player."

Peter Binder

Hometown: Glendale, MO
High School: Kirkwood High School
Club: High Performance
Height: 6’0
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Accounting and Business Management

Accomplishments: 2013-2015 Varsity Letter, 2014-2015 Varsity Captain, 2013 All-Academic Team, 2014 First Team All-Conference, Eagle Scout, Kirkwood High School Honor Roll 2012-2015

"I'm thankful for the great opportunity to be a part of a rising men's volleyball program. I look forward to being a new member of the volleyball family and the great Christian Community at Greenville College."

Coach Ackerman - "Peter is a solid all around player who will be able to transition to the college game quickly. He is very intelligent and that will be an asset to us on and off the court."

Shawn Goff

Hometown: Plainfield, IL
High School: Plainfield South HS
Height: 6’3
Position: Middle Hitter
Major: Biology

Accomplishments: 3-Year Varsity Starter

"'I will not be ashamed of the gospel' Romans 1:16.  Greenville is a place where you don't have to be."

Coach Ackerman - "Shawn will provide an exceptional presence in the middle for us.  We are expecting him to contribute significantly to our offense.  He is an outstanding teammate and he will help develop an excellent culture within our team."

Nick Corrigan

Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
Highschool: Boylan Central Catholic High School
Club: Rockford Rampage
Height: 6’0
Position: Setter
Major: Education

Accomplishments: Helped start men's volleyball at Boylan Central Catholic High School, 2015 Varsity Captain, 2015 All-Conference Team, Co-President of Boylan High School Ultimate Frisbee Club

"Greenville College's core values of Glorifying God, getting it done in the classroom, and building a winning tradition had me sold right away. Visiting Greenville was awesome, I really enjoyed the beautiful campus and amazing people. Coming to a place where the coaches have an enthusiasm and passion about everything they do makes me motivated to be the best I can be. The atmosphere is unreal and I cannot wait to grow in my faith, knowledge and athletic ability."

Coach Ackerman - "Nick is a very competitive player who likes to win and he has a desire to improve, a great combo for us.  We really like the fact that Nick has been a part of a new program, his insight will be valuable as we build something special here at GC."

Johnny Milabu

Hometown: Brentwood, CA
Highschool: Heritage High School
Height: 6’5
Position: MH
Major: Biology

Accomplishments: Team Captain, First Team All League, Link Crew Commissioner.

"Greenville seemed like a great place to start building the foundation for my future, it keeps me connected to the gospel and the idea of a small school will help me focus on my studies while being a part of a close community."

Coach Ackerman - "Johnny is going to be a big impact player for us. He has the ability to take over a match and his energy and enthusiasm will be vital to our success. Johnny is an excellent teammate and a leader. We are expecting big things from him."

Kyle Ward

Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Highschool: Francis Howell
Height: 6’4
Position: Middle Blocker
Major: Accounting/Business Management

Accomplishments: Two Year Varsity Letter, 2015 Varsity Captain, 2014 All-Academic Team

"I chose Greenville College because it was good opportunity to play volleyball, and advance my education while furthering my values of a Christian life."

Coach Ackerman - "Kyle is going to be an excellent college player and he has been well coached. He is a very dynamic player and exactly the kind of player and person we want involved with our program."

Miguel Jose Carmona Vega

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Highschool: Spenverville Adventist
Height: 5’8
Position: Libero
Major: Business Management

Accomplishments: 2012-2013 Men’s varsity starter, 2013,2014,2015  Men’s Volleyball varsity starter

"I chose Greenville because it's the kind of college where I would further my relationship with God, and further my education in my major. I am looking forward to meeting my teammates, and being part of the volleyball family. Also being part of the Greenville community."

Coach Ackerman - "Miguel is a great pick up for us, he will add much needed depth to the libero position.  Miguel has had an excellent high school career and he will transition quickly to the college game."

Tanner Smith

Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA
Highschool: Mira Costa
Height: 6’2
Position: Setter
Major: History

Accomplishments: MVP of JV Team as a Freshman, 3 time AAU National Beach Volleyball Champion, 2 time CIF Division 1 Ca. Semi-Finalist, 2 time Division 1 Ca. State Semi-finalist, 8 year Southern California Club Volleyball Player {SCVC, Team RockStar} and qualified in the Open Club Division twice.I currently hold a AA California Beach Volleyball rating and my goal is obtaining my California Beach AAA this summer prior to starting school at Greenville. 

“I want to fulfill my lifetime dream of going to college and competing in NCAA Div. 3 Volleyball, which I believe I am a perfect fit for at Greenville.”

Coach Ackerman – “Tanner is a gifted player and he is capable of running an advanced offense.  He has played for an excellent high school and club program and his volleyball IQ will be a huge asset to our program.”

Nicolas Bilinski

Hometown: Placentia, CA
Highschool: El Dorado HS
Height: 6’3
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Criminal Justice 

Accomplishments: 3 yrs Varsity Starter, 2 yrs 1st Team All League, 3 yrs Team Captain, Distinguished Scholar, 3 yr Scholar Athlete, Team MVP, CTE Student of the Year, 2 yrs Team Rockstar National Qualifiers in the Open Division, 2015 boys junior nationals 18 open all tournament team

"I am looking forward to helping build a successful volleyball program while furthering my education."

Coach Ackerman - "Nicolas is a player that can significantly contribute the early success of our program.  He is a very well rounded player who has been trained by some of the best club coaches in California."

Daniel Bilinski

Hometown: Placentia, CA
Highschool: El Dorado HS
Height: 6’3
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Criminal Justice

Accomplishments: 3 yrs Varsity Starter, 1 yr 2nd Team All League, 1 yr 1st Team All League, 3 yrs Team Captain, Distinguished Scholar, 1 yr Scholar Athlete, CTE Student of the Year, 2 yrs Open division National qualifier, Team Rockstar Player of the Year for 2015.

Coach Ackerman - "Daniel has had valuable experience, which will be crucial in helping us build a successful program.  He is a player that will have no problems adjusting to the college game and we are expecting him to thrive at GC."