Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Clinches Fourth NCAA Title

The Long Beach State men's volleyball team made history and secured their fourth NCAA Championship on May 12, 2025, with a commanding straight-sets victory over UCLA at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Beach dominated the match with set scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-21, marking their first national title since 2019.

Freshman setter Moni Nikolov was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, capping a remarkable season where he also earned both Big West Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. Nikolov's exceptional playmaking and leadership were pivotal throughout the season.

Head Coach Alan Knipe, reflecting on the team's journey, stated, “I got to thank the amazing LB nation crowd, you could feel the crowd, not just hear them and that was huge,” says Knipe.

The city of Long Beach celebrated the team's achievement with a parade through Downtown Long Beach on May 14, 2025. Thousands of fans lined the campus of California State University of Long Beach and the streets of downtown, cheering as players and coaches made their way from Fifth Street and Pine Avenue and ended at the Altar Society. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the community's deep connection to the team’s success.

Team captain and junior outside hitter Skyler Varga expressed gratitude for the community's support. "I’m grateful that I can be given this opportunity, especially coming from such a small town.” Knipe reciprocates with the poise that Varga carries and says, “He’s incredible, he’s our captain–he’s, in a lot of ways, our leader”, and “As good of a volleyball player he is, he’s an even better human and teammate.”

Senior outside hitter Sotiris Siapanis, who had been sidelined due to injury, which in return allowed Freshman standout Moni Nikolov to rise to the occasion and reflect on his first-year experience, saying, “When I need a serve I’m the one that’s gonna get it there. The team has put so much love into me and filled me with everything I’ve needed to have that confidence. The trust that these coaches put into me makes me feel like the best player in the world and I love them to death.”

Another centerpiece and foundational player that immensely helped the sweep at the NCAA championship was the performance of the tall-statured Alex Kandev, who recorded 13 kills in The Beach’s decisive victory over UCLA. "I always have to be ready and I was ready for the opportunity,” Kandev said. “That’s all I can say. It’s unfortunate that (Sotiris Siapanis) got hurt, but I was just being ready. I’m so grateful that coach gave me the opportunity.”

The championship and subsequent celebrations have significantly boosted morale at Cal State Long Beach, highlighting the university's fighting spirit and unity. As the team looks ahead to future seasons, this victory serves as a foundation for continued excellence and a source of inspiration for the entire Long Beach community.