2023-2024 Men's Volleyball Preseason Preview

Elgin, IL - Late night workouts, a hungry freshmen class, and ostrich eggs. That is the lead in for the 2023-2024 Judson Men's Volleyball story. Head Coach Jake Wallin heads into season number two at the helm with a very hardworking and dedicated group of Eagles that are ready to fly high this season. 

The approach of this squad is strictly business as they are looking to get over the hump of conference foe St. Xavier. That approach has a sound mental toughness supporting it as well. "We strive to be two steps ahead of our opponent," says Wallin. One of the team mottos is Chess, not Checkers. To have that mental strength, and to play with intense passion to lock in. 

Then there is the ostrich egg. It may seem far fetched, but the meaning behind it is quite poetic. An ostrich egg never cracks. It is strong and unwavering. And the concept of being an ostrich egg under pressure is quite eloquent. 

This season's roster is for the most part a young roster. The Eagles have just two seniors in Brody Solbrig and Trevor Kozlowski. They have brought in eight new freshmen, and feature a very talented junior class. One of those key freshmen projected to make an impact is Grant Shipley, a middle backer with a fantastic work ethic. 

That junior class is led by captain Elijah Wrobel, who was the CCAC setter of the year last year. Wrobel has led JU to back to back conference championship appearances, and they look to get back to that spot again this spring. 

The other junior captain is also an Elijah; Elijah Gregg who led the team in kills last season. Last year's CCAC 2nd team All-Conference libero, sophomore Jackson Otto also returns as the team's table setter. 

Of course, the story of this team is not complete without mentioning who is not in the nest this season. That is 1st team All Conference, and team leader Brendan Gibbons. During the fall, Gibbons was diagnosed with leukemia. "This season is for him," says Coach Wallin. "Brendan is a player that connects to each and every teammate. At times, it will be noticeable that he will not be out there, but these guys are ready to rally around him."

The talent is certainly there for the Eagles to compete. That talent will also be tested during some fun events being held at the Lindner Center. The first takes place during the opening weekend, and that is the 2024 Chicago Tournament that is co-hosted by Judson and St. Xavier. The other will be a two-day event in February called the Eagle Classic, which is a massive event with two games going on side-by-side at once over the course of the two days. Both events will feature several highly talented teams from across the country. 

"These games will allow us to grow on and off the court," says Wallin. The Eagles will certainly treat each game like the most important one, and strive to be perfect. "Our goals are simple, to become conference champions, and make it to Nationals."

To do that, JU will likely need to slay the beast that is St. Xavier. The Cougars are a great measuring stick, and it has been years since Judson has even taken a set from St. X. The Cougars are the team to beat in the CCAC, but with the eager and hungry Eagles ready to go, this year could be the year. 

Fittingly, the second to last home game of the season is against those Cougars just ahead of the CCAC tournament. 

The prep work has been done. For the Eagles, the chess board is now in front of them, and the ostrich eggs are in the nest ready to go.