2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102163D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 82

Offered January 23, 2026

Commending the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team.

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Patrons—Austin and McLaughlin; Senator: Head

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WHEREAS, the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III national championship on April 28, 2025, in Salem; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Virginia University Knights defeated the Springfield College Pride in three straight sets, 25–20, 25–23, and 27–25, bringing home the first national title in program history and capping their season with an extraordinary 35–1 record; and

WHEREAS, the championship victory was a redemptive finish for the Southern Virginia Knights after they had given up their only loss of the season to Springfield College a month prior; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Virginia Knights were led on offense by Christian Sheaffer, who recorded 13 kills and was named the tournament's most outstanding player, and Gehrig Tolman, who had 36 assists; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Virginia Knights secured the shutout with strong defense, which was led by Justin Madsen and Jayton Hall, who had 12 and 10 digs, respectively; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Virginia Knights saw clutch performances from Kristo Bianchin and Kyler Evans, and were artfully led by head coach Tom Peterson, who was recently named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Men's Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Southern Virginia Knights is the result of the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of their coaches and teachers, and the unwavering support of their families and the entire Southern Virginia University community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III national championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's achievement.