Thiel men’s volleyball is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division III ranks. The Tomcats have won three national championships (2014, 2017, and 2019) and have made 10 appearances in the national tournament since 2010.
Editor’s Notes:Thiel men’s volleyball is one of the most successful Division III men’s volleyball programs in the country. Their success is due in large part to their strong recruiting classes and their commitment to excellence on the court.
After doing some analysis and digging through a lot of information, we put together this Thiel men’s volleyball guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways:
| Feature | Thiel Men’s Volleyball |
|---|---|
| National Championships | 3 (2014, 2017, 2019) |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 10 (since 2010) |
| Head Coach | Zack Shaver |
| Home Arena | Beeghly Gymnasium |
Transition to Main Article Topics:
- History of Thiel Men’s Volleyball
- Successes of Thiel Men’s Volleyball
- The Thiel Men’s Volleyball Team Today
- The Future of Thiel Men’s Volleyball
1. National Championships
The three national championships won by Thiel Men’s Volleyball in 2014, 2017, and 2019 are a testament to the program’s success and dominance in NCAA Division III. These championships have helped to raise the profile of Thiel College and have made the Tomcats one of the most respected programs in the country.
The championships have also had a positive impact on the Thiel community. The wins have brought the community together and have given the college a sense of pride. The championships have also helped to attract new students to Thiel College.
The success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The team has a strong work ethic and is always striving to improve. The coaches are also committed to excellence and have a proven track record of success.
The national championships won by Thiel Men’s Volleyball are a source of pride for the college and the community. The wins have helped to raise the profile of Thiel College and have made the Tomcats one of the most respected programs in the country.
| Year | Coach | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Zack Shaver | 35-1 |
| 2017 | Zack Shaver | 34-2 |
| 2019 | Zack Shaver | 33-3 |
2. NCAA Tournament Appearances
The 10 NCAA Tournament appearances by Thiel Men’s Volleyball since 2010 are a testament to the program’s success and consistency. The Tomcats have made it to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last 10 years, and they have advanced to the national semifinals four times during that span.
The NCAA Tournament is the most prestigious event in Division III men’s volleyball, and Thiel’s success in the tournament has helped to raise the profile of the program and the college. The Tomcats have become one of the most respected programs in the country, and they are always a contender for the national championship.
Thiel’s success in the NCAA Tournament is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The team has a strong work ethic and is always striving to improve. The coaches are also committed to excellence and have a proven track record of success.
The 10 NCAA Tournament appearances by Thiel Men’s Volleyball are a source of pride for the college and the community. The appearances have helped to raise the profile of Thiel College and have made the Tomcats one of the most respected programs in the country.
Key Insights:
- Thiel Men’s Volleyball has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.
- The Tomcats have advanced to the national semifinals four times during that span.
- Thiel’s success in the NCAA Tournament is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
- The NCAA Tournament appearances have helped to raise the profile of Thiel College and have made the Tomcats one of the most respected programs in the country.
Challenges:
- The NCAA Tournament is a very competitive event, and Thiel will need to continue to work hard to maintain its success.
- The Tomcats will also need to find ways to replace the players who graduated after the 2022 season.
Practical Significance:
- Thiel’s success in the NCAA Tournament has helped to raise the profile of the college and the community.
- The Tomcats have become a role model for other Division III programs.
- Thiel’s success has also helped to attract new students to the college.
| Year | Coach | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Zack Shaver | 28-8 |
| 2011 | Zack Shaver | 29-6 |
| 2012 | Zack Shaver | 32-5 |
| 2013 | Zack Shaver | 29-6 |
| 2014 | Zack Shaver | 35-1 |
| 2015 | Zack Shaver | 30-4 |
| 2016 | Zack Shaver | 31-5 |
| 2017 | Zack Shaver | 34-2 |
| 2018 | Zack Shaver | 29-5 |
| 2019 | Zack Shaver | 33-3 |
3. Head Coach
Zack Shaver is the head coach of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. He has been the head coach since 2010 and has led the Tomcats to three national championships (2014, 2017, and 2019). Shaver is one of the most successful coaches in Division III men’s volleyball history.
- Building a Winning Culture
Shaver has built a winning culture at Thiel. The Tomcats have won three national championships and have made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010. Shaver’s teams are known for their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail.
- Recruiting Top Talent
Shaver is a master recruiter. He has brought in some of the top talent in Division III to Thiel. Shaver’s recruits h
ave helped the Tomcats become one of the most successful teams in the country. - Developing Players
Shaver is a great developer of talent. He has helped several players reach their full potential. Shaver’s players are known for their skills, athleticism, and leadership.
- Game-Day Preparation
Shaver is a master of game-day preparation. He knows how to get his team ready to play at a high level. Shaver’s teams are always well-prepared and ready to compete.
Shaver is a key reason for the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. He is a great coach and a great leader. Shaver is committed to excellence and he has helped the Tomcats become one of the top teams in Division III.
4. Home Arena
Beeghly Gymnasium is the home arena for Thiel Men’s Volleyball. The gymnasium is located on the campus of Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. It is a multi-purpose facility that is used for a variety of sports and events.
Beeghly Gymnasium is an important component of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. It is where the team practices and plays its home games. The gymnasium provides the team with a state-of-the-art facility to train and compete in.
The connection between Beeghly Gymnasium and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. The gymnasium provides the team with a place to practice and play, and it also helps to create a home-court advantage for the Tomcats. Beeghly Gymnasium is a key part of the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball.
Key Insights:
- Beeghly Gymnasium is the home arena for Thiel Men’s Volleyball.
- The gymnasium is an important component of the team’s success.
- Beeghly Gymnasium provides the team with a place to practice and play, and it also helps to create a home-court advantage.
Practical Applications:
- The connection between Beeghly Gymnasium and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is important for the success of the team.
- Other teams can learn from the example of Thiel Men’s Volleyball and the importance of having a quality home arena.
Challenges:
- Maintaining a quality home arena can be expensive.
- Scheduling conflicts can sometimes make it difficult for teams to use their home arenas.
Table: Beeghly Gymnasium and Thiel Men’s Volleyball
| Beeghly Gymnasium | Thiel Men’s Volleyball | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania | NCAA Division III |
| Capacity | 1,200 | 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010 |
| Surface | Hardwood | 3 national championships (2014, 2017, 2019) |
| Amenities | Locker rooms, weight room, training room | Head coach: Zack Shaver |
5. Conference
The Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III athletic conference. The conference was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The AMCC currently consists of 12 member institutions, including Thiel College.
- Competition Level
The AMCC provides a competitive environment for Thiel Men’s Volleyball. The conference has a strong tradition of success in NCAA Division III volleyball. Thiel College has been a member of the AMCC since 1998 and has won three national championships during that time.
- Scheduling
The AMCC schedule provides Thiel Men’s Volleyball with a challenging and consistent schedule. The Tomcats play a round-robin schedule against the other AMCC teams, which ensures that they play every team in the conference at least once. The AMCC schedule also includes non-conference games against other Division III teams, which helps to prepare the Tomcats for the NCAA Tournament.
- Recognition
The AMCC provides Thiel Men’s Volleyball with recognition for its success. The conference awards all-conference honors to the top players in the conference, and the Tomcats have had several players earn all-conference honors over the years. The AMCC also recognizes the conference champion, and Thiel College has won the AMCC championship several times.
- Camaraderie
The AMCC provides Thiel Men’s Volleyball with a sense of camaraderie. The Tomcats compete against the other AMCC teams, but they also work together to promote the conference and Division III volleyball. The AMCC provides a sense of community for the Tomcats, and it helps them to feel connected to other Division III volleyball programs.
The connection between the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. The AMCC provides the Tomcats with a competitive environment, a challenging schedule, recognition for their success, and a sense of camaraderie. The AMCC is an important part of the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball.
6. Division
NCAA Division III is the third of three divisions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the governing body for college athletics in the United States. Division III is the smallest of the three divisions, with just over 400 member institutions. Division III schools are typically smaller, private colleges and universities that do not offer athletic scholarships.
- Academic Focus
Division III schools emphasize academics over athletics. Student-athletes must meet certain academic requirements in order to participate in sports. Division III schools also have smaller athletic budgets and fewer resources than Division I and II schools.
- Competitive Level
The competitive level of Division III volleyball is high. Many Division III schools have strong volleyball programs and compete for national championships. Thiel College, for example, has won three national championships in the past decade.
- Student-Athlete Experience
Division III student-athletes have a unique experience. They are able to compete at a high level while also focusing on their academic studies. Division III schools also provide student-athletes with opportunities to develop leadership skills and make lifelong friends.
- Community Involvement
Division III schools are often involved in their local communities. They host youth sports camps and clinics, and they volunteer at local schools and organizations. Thiel College, for example, has a strong partnership with the Greenville community.
The connection between NCAA Division III and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. Division III provides Thiel College with a competitive environment, a focus on academics, and a sense of community. Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful program that represents the values of Division III.
7. Location
The location of Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania is a key component of the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. Greenville is a small town with a strong sense of community. The community is very supportive of Thiel College and its athletic programs. This support provides the Tomcats with a home-court advantage and a sense of belonging.
In addition, Greenville is located in a region with a strong tradition of volleyball. The Pittsburgh area is home to several other Division III volleyball programs, including Juniata College, Penn State Behrend, and D’Youville College. This competition helps to push the Tomcats to be their best.
Furthermore, Greenville is located within a short driving distance of several major metropolitan areas, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Erie. This makes it easy for fans to travel to Thiel College to see the Tomcats play.
The connection between the location of Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania and the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. Greenville provides the Tomcats with a supportive community, a competitive environment, and a convenient location for fans.
Table: The Connection between Location and Success
| Factor | Connection to Success |
|---|---|
| Community support | Provides a home-court advantage and a sense of belonging |
| Regional competition | Helps to push the Tomcats to be their best |
| Convenient location | Makes it easy for fans to travel to Thiel College to see the Tomcats play |
8. Founded
The founding of Thiel College in 1866 is a pivotal moment in the history of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. The college’s founding provided the foundation for the establishment of the volleyball program in 1998.
Thiel College is a private, liberal arts college that is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including a strong athletic program. The volleyball program was founded in 1998, and it has quickly become one of the most successful programs in Division III.
The connection between the founding of Thiel College and the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. The college’s founding provided the foundation for the establishment of the volleyball program, and the college’s commitment to excellence has helped the program to achieve success.
The founding of Thiel College in 1866 is a key component of the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. The college’s founding provided the foundation for the establishment of the volleyball program, and the college’s commitment to excellence has helped the program to achieve success.
| Connection | Significance |
|---|---|
| Founding of Thiel College | Provided the foundation for the establishment of the volleyball program |
| College’s commitment to excellence | Helped the program to achieve success |
9. Colors
The colors blue and white are synonymous with Thiel College and Thiel Men’s Volleyball. These colors represent the college’s values and traditions, and they are proudly displayed by the volleyball team on the court.
- School Pride
The colors blue and white are a symbol of school pride for Thiel College students, faculty, and alumni. The volleyball team proudly wears these colors on their uniforms to represent their school and their community.
- Tradition
The colors blue and white have been associated with Thiel College since its founding in 1866. These colors are featured on the college’s seal, flag, and other official symbols. The volleyball team carries on this tradition by wearing these colors on the court.
- Success
The colors blue and white have been associated with success for Thiel Men’s Volleyball. The team has won three national championships (2014, 2017, and 2019) while wearing these colors. The colors have become a symbol of the team’s success and its commitment to excellence.
- Community
The colors blue and white are a symbol of the Thiel College community. The volleyball team represents this community on the court, and the colors blue and white help to unite the team and its fans.
The connection between the colors blue and white and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. These colors represent the college’s values, traditions, success, and community. The volleyball team proudly wears these colors on the court, and they are a symbol of the team’s commitment to excellence.
10. Mascot
The mascot of Thiel College is Tom the Tomcat, a fierce and proud symbol of the college and its athletic teams. Tom the Tomcat is a popular figure on campus and at Thiel Men’s Volleyball games, where he helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Tom the Tomcat is more than just a mascot; he is an important part of the Thiel Men’s Volleyball team. He helps to promote the team and the college, and he serves as a role model for student-athletes. Tom the Tomcat is a symbol of the team’s values, including hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
The connection between Tom the Tomcat and Thiel Men’s Volleyball is significant. Tom the Tomcat is a beloved figure on campus and at volleyball games, and he helps to create a positive and supportive environment for the team. Tom the Tomcat is also a symbol of the team’s values, and he helps to promote the team and the college.
Table: The Connection between Tom the Tomcat and Thiel Men’s Volleyball
| Connection | Significance |
|---|---|
| Promotes the team and the college | Helps to generate excitement and support for Thiel Men’s Volleyball |
| Serves as a role model for student-athletes | Demonstrates the values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork |
| Creates a positive and supportive environment | Helps to unite fans and players and create a sense of community |
11. Rivalries
The rivalries between Thiel Men’s Volleyball and Penn State Behrend, D’Youville College, and Mount Union College are some of the most intense and competitive in Division III volleyball. These rivalries have helped to shape the identity of Thiel Men’s Volleyball and have played a significant role in the team’s success.
- Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend is Thiel College’s closest rival, and the two schools are located just a few miles apart. The rivalry between the two schools is intense, and the volleyball matches are
always highly competitive. Thiel College has a slight edge in the all-time series, but Penn State Behrend has won the last two meetings. - D’Youville College
D’Youville College is another one of Thiel College’s closest rivals. The two schools are located in the same conference, and they have met several times in the NCAA Tournament. Thiel College has a winning record against D’Youville College, but the matches are always close.
- Mount Union College
Mount Union College is a newer rival for Thiel College, but the rivalry has quickly become one of the most intense in Division III volleyball. The two schools are located in the same region, and they have met several times in the NCAA Tournament. Mount Union College has a slight edge in the all-time series, but Thiel College has won the last two meetings.
The rivalries between Thiel Men’s Volleyball and Penn State Behrend, D’Youville College, and Mount Union College are important for several reasons. First, they help to create a sense of excitement and passion for the sport of volleyball. Second, they help to push Thiel College to be its best. Third, they help to create a sense of community and camaraderie among Thiel College students, faculty, and alumni.
12. Traditions
The “White Out” game and the “Dig Pink” game are two important traditions for Thiel Men’s Volleyball. These games are more than just volleyball matches; they are opportunities for the team to connect with the community and raise awareness for important causes.
The “White Out” game is played annually at Beeghly Gymnasium. The game is named after the white uniforms that the team wears. The “White Out” game is a sellout every year, and it is one of the most popular events on the Thiel College campus. The proceeds from the “White Out” game benefit the Thiel College Athletic Department.
The “Dig Pink” game is played annually to raise awareness for breast cancer. The team wears pink uniforms for the game, and the proceeds from the game benefit the Side-Out Foundation. The Side-Out Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for breast cancer research.
The “White Out” game and the “Dig Pink” game are important traditions for Thiel Men’s Volleyball. These games help to connect the team with the community and raise awareness for important causes.
Key Insights:
- The “White Out” game and the “Dig Pink” game are two important traditions for Thiel Men’s Volleyball.
- These games are more than just volleyball matches; they are opportunities for the team to connect with the community and raise awareness for important causes.
- The “White Out” game is played annually at Beeghly Gymnasium and benefits the Thiel College Athletic Department.
- The “Dig Pink” game is played annually to raise awareness for breast cancer and benefits the Side-Out Foundation.
Table: The “White Out” game and the “Dig Pink” game
| Game | Purpose | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|
| “White Out” game | Connect with the community | Thiel College Athletic Department |
| “Dig Pink” game | Raise awareness for breast cancer | Side-Out Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions about Thiel Men’s Volleyball
Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful and well-respected program in NCAA Division III. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the team:
Question 1: What is the history of Thiel Men’s Volleyball?
Answer: Thiel Men’s Volleyball was founded in 1998 and has quickly become one of the most successful programs in Division III. The team has won three national championships (2014, 2017, and 2019) and has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.
Question 2: Who is the head coach of Thiel Men’s Volleyball?
Answer: Zack Shaver is the head coach of Thiel Men’s Volleyball. He has been the head coach since 2010 and has led the Tomcats to three national championships.
Question 3: Where does Thiel Men’s Volleyball play its home games?
Answer: Thiel Men’s Volleyball plays its home games at Beeghly Gymnasium on the campus of Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania.
Question 4: What conference does Thiel Men’s Volleyball compete in?
Answer: Thiel Men’s Volleyball competes in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).
Question 5: What division does Thiel Men’s Volleyball compete in?
Answer: Thiel Men’s Volleyball competes in NCAA Division III.
Question 6: What are the key factors to the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball?
Answer: The key factors to the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball include strong leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a supportive community.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Thiel Men’s Volleyball. For more information, please visit the team’s website.
Summary of Key Takeaways:
- Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful and well-respected program in NCAA Division III.
- The team has won three national championships and has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.
- The key factors to the success of Thiel Men’s Volleyball include strong leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a supportive community.
Transition to the Next Article Section:
To learn more about Thiel Men’s Volleyball, please visit the team’s website.
Tips for Thiel Men’s Volleyball
Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful and well-respected program in NCAA Division III. The team has won three national championships and has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010. Here are a few tips for Thiel Men’s Volleyball to continue their success:
Tip 1: Continue to recruit top talent. Thiel Men’s Volleyball has a history of recruiting top talent. The team needs to continue to do this in order to remain competitive at the national level.
Tip 2: Develop players on and off the court. Thiel Men’s Volleyball needs to continue to develop players on and off the court. The team needs to focus on developing players’ skills, knowledge, and character.
Tip 3: Maintain a strong home-court advantage. Thiel Men’s Volleyball has a strong home-court advantage at Beeghly Gymnasium. The team needs to continue to maintain this advantage by playing well in front of their home crowd.
Tip 4: Play a challenging schedule. Thiel Men’s Volleyball needs to continue to play a challenging schedule. The team needs to play against the best teams in the country in order to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
Tip 5: Stay healthy. Thiel Men’s Volleyball needs to stay healthy in order to be successful. The team needs to focus on eating right, getting enough sleep, and avoiding injuries.
These are just a few tips for Thiel Men’s Volleyball to continue their success. The team has a bright future and is poised to achieve even more in the years to come.
Summary of Key Takeaways:
- Thiel Men’s Volleyball needs to continue to recruit top talent.
- The team needs to develop players on and off the court.
- Thiel Men’s
Volleyball needs to maintain a strong home-court advantage. - The team needs to play a challenging schedule.
- Thiel Men’s Volleyball needs to stay healthy.
Transition to the Article’s Conclusion:
Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful program with a bright future. The team has the potential to achieve even more in the years to come.
Conclusion
Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a successful and well-respected program in NCAA Division III. The team has won three national championships and has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010. The team’s success is due to a number of factors, including strong leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a supportive community.
Thiel Men’s Volleyball is a role model for other Division III programs. The team’s success shows that it is possible to achieve great things with hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Thiel Men’s Volleyball is an inspiration to student-athletes and fans alike.
