OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL CHASES SUCCESS IN INAUGURAL SEASON
T
iger Nation enjoyed the addition of a new athletic team this year: men’s volleyball. And the team thrived in its exciting inaugural season, making it all the way to NAIA national tournament play. Men’s volleyball, led by coach Andrew Palmer, brings the College’s varsity team total to 22. Palmer previously served as head coach of the men’s volleyball team at Urbana University in Ohio, which closed its doors after the Spring 2020 semester. Vice President of Athletics Brian Evans saw this as an opportunity to once again expand the athletic department, and he invited Palmer and his athletes to make GC their new home. “I’m very thankful for Georgetown College wanting to grow and expand,” Palmer said. “It’s an excellent opening to give opportunities to student-athletes and allow them to finish their degrees. “The biggest hurdle in starting any first-year team is taking these high school athletes and developing them into mature players. This program has a leg up in that regard with my Urbana players already experiencing that.” A leg up indeed. After starting the season with four-straight losses, GC rolled off 15 wins in a 16-match stretch. This included 10-straight wins from March 6 to April 9. The team advanced
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to the Mid-South Conference championships, clinching an automatic bid to the national tournament. The team’s inaugural season ended in April at the NAIA National Men’s Volleyball Tournament. In the national tournament, the Tigers showed heart and fight that will forever be the foundation of teams to come. In addition, Kacper Dobrowolski ‘24 and Ryan Gunn ‘24 were recognized for their amazing seasons. Dobrowolski helped guide the first-year program to second in the conference and a national tournament berth from the setter position. He posted eye-popping numbers in most statistical categories, including 708 assists, which ranked him 10th in the country. The MSC named him Setter of the Year and First-Team AllConference, while the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) recognized him as All-America Honorable Mention. In addition, he earned an NAIA honorable mention. Gunn also had a fantastic freshman season. For all his efforts, the New Zealand native earned MSC Freshman of the Year, MSC Player of the Year, MSC First-Team All-Conference, and AVCA All-America Honorable Mention. He also earned NAIA honorable mention status.
