Mark Pavlik Announced as Member of 2026 AVCA Hall of Fame Class
The American Volleyball Coaches Association announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class of Jenny McDowell, Candace Moats, Mark Pavlik and Mary Wise.
All four of these legendary collegiate coaches have made significant contributions to the sport across their careers. The inductions, which will bring the number of members in the AVCA Hall of Fame(opens in new tab) to 109, will take place Thursday, Dec. 17, during an awards banquet at the 2026 AVCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Applications are still available for Coaches 4 Coaches and Demonstrator Scholarships!
If you know a coach interested in attending convention for the first time, encourage them to apply to C4C.
If you have an athlete who is interested in pursuing coaching as a career, or wants to experience what it’s like to learn from and network with thousands of coaches, encourage them to apply for the Demonstrator Scholarship.
The AVCA Boys Talent Showcase is a recruiting event designed to provide high school boys the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the collegiate coaches that are planning to attend the AVCA Convention. The AVCA will also be offering an athlete skills clinic on the Friday before the Talent Showcase on Saturday.
The 2026 AVCA Boys Showcase will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, December 19. The cost $99 per athlete prior to Friday, November 20. For an additional $25, athletes can take part in the AVCA Boys Showcase Clinic in the evening on Friday, December 18 at the convention center. Registered athletes will have a chance to learn and develop their skills with the guidance of elite men’s college coaches from across the country.
Whether you want to continue your professional development, network with your friends, or go to the NCAA championship matches, there are many reasons to attend the AVCA Convention including:
Over 120 court and classroom education sessions
World’s largest volleyball specific exhibit show
Career Center with job postings, salary survey information, and career counseling services
Recruiting events including the Boys’ Talent Showcase
The Athletic: Why a Legendary Coaches Sets his Team Up for Failure
From The Athletic, U.S. men’s volleyball coach Karch Kiraly uses a challenging “escape room” drill that forces players to repeat multiple levels of serve-receive competition, starting over from the beginning whenever they fail. The exercise is designed to help athletes embrace frustration, develop resilience, and learn how to respond constructively to failure—skills that are essential for succeeding under pressure.
In this MiddleHitter.com article, Dave de Tenley explores the rapid growth of NCAA Division III men’s volleyball, highlighting how a sport once considered niche is attracting more colleges, athletes, and competitive programs. This expansion reflects increasing interest in men’s volleyball at the collegiate level and demonstrates how Division III schools are playing a major role in growing the game and creating more opportunities for student-athletes.
Building a Culture of Discipline and Consistency at Washington & Jefferson
Washington & Jefferson men’s volleyball is building a strong program through discipline, consistency, and accountability, emphasizing the importance of establishing daily habits that support long-term success. By creating a culture centered on commitment, player development, and shared expectations, the program aims to strengthen team performance and build a sustainable foundation for continued growth.
Boys’ high school players are invited to attend KP’s Showcases, where they can compete, develop their skills, and connect with college coaches.
Kevin Pratte has partnered with 3 Step and JVL to host three events:
Lancaster, Pennsylvania: November 13
Atlanta, Georgia: November 20
Louisville, Kentucky: December 10
Incredible college coaches will be attending every showcase, making this a great opportunity to get noticed and show what you can do. Register through the Middle Hitter website.
Niko Lambert is Middle Hitter Boys Club Coach of the Year
Known for his passion, preparation, and genuine investment in his student-athletes, Lambert has built a coaching environment where athletes are challenged to improve, encouraged to dream big, and supported as complete individuals.