The Master's University men's volleyball program enters the 2025–26 season with momentum that few teams in the country can match. After completing a perfect 27–0 season that included GSAC regular-season and tournament championships, capped by the program's first NAIA National Championship, the Mustangs are set to reload with seven new faces who bring experience, athleticism, and depth to a championship roster.
Head coach Jared Goldberg, entering his seventh season at the helm, believes this class addresses key areas while raising the overall standard of the program.
"Last year was historic for us in every sense," Goldberg said. "But championships are won by continuing to build, not standing still. This incoming group not only fills the gaps left by graduation but also adds new strengths that will help us pursue excellence again this season."
New Player Spotlights
Grant Strong (6-1, Grad Student, Libero – Transfer from The Ohio State University)
Strong arrives from one of the top programs in NCAA Division I men's volleyball, bringing Big Ten experience and a proven skill set in serve receive and back-row defense.
"Grant is the kind of player who immediately elevates the training environment," Goldberg said. "His experience at Ohio State makes him battle-tested, and his presence gives us one of the strongest libero groups in the NAIA."
Andrew Karges (6-1, Sophomore, Outside Hitter – Transfer from Orange Coast College)
Karges joins the Mustangs after competing at Orange Coast College, a perennial powerhouse at the junior college level. Known for his efficiency and ball control, he will help stabilize TMU's attack on the pins.
"Andrew has the all-around game you want in an outside hitter," Goldberg said. "He's steady, he's efficient, and he's coming from one of the most competitive environments in junior college volleyball. He helps fill the shoes left by Braden Van Groningen, and we're confident he'll make an impact right away."
Cooper Saelzler (6-4, Junior, Outside Hitter – Transfer from Grand Canyon University)
Saelzler brings Division I experience from Grand Canyon University and adds to a family legacy at TMU following his older brother Carston's stint with the program.
"We've wanted Cooper in a Mustang uniform for a long time," Goldberg said. "He's an explosive attacker and a physical presence who can score against any block. To now have two Saelzler brothers represent TMU is special."
Brayden Darm (6-1, Freshman, Setter – San Juan Capistrano, CA)
Darm comes from the nationally renowned Balboa Bay Volleyball Club, where he competed with one of the top teams in the country. His high-level experience brings maturity beyond his years.
"Brayden has been forged in one of the most competitive club environments in the nation," Goldberg said. "He plays with confidence, and he understands how to run an offense at a high level. We're excited to see him develop in our gym."
Joseph Tran (6-3, Freshman, Setter – Fairfield, CA)
Tran, a standout for Pulse Volleyball Club, enters as a cerebral setter known for his analytical approach to the game. His growth since first attending TMU camps as a freshman in high school reflects both his work ethic and passion for volleyball.
"Joseph studies the game in a way that sets him apart," Goldberg said. "He's thoughtful, detail-oriented, and has made huge strides as a player. He'll add great competition to our setting group."
Graysen Amestoy (6-9, Freshman, Opposite – Lake Worth, FL)
Amestoy becomes the first player in program history to join TMU from Florida. A 6-9 left-handed opposite with size and a strong arm, he gives the Mustangs a unique weapon in the front row.
"Graysen's combination of size and being a lefty opposite makes him a tough matchup," Goldberg said. "He has a high ceiling, and as he continues to grow his game, he'll give us important depth at a key position."
Jace Davis (6-9, Freshman, Middle Blocker – O'Fallon, MO)
Davis brings size and energy to the middle after competing with St. Louis High Performance, one of the top clubs in the Midwest. With both starting middles from last season having graduated, Davis will have opportunities to step in early.
"Jace has the tools and passion you look for in a middle," Goldberg said. "He plays with joy, he competes hard, and he fills an important need for us after graduating two veteran starters."
Looking Ahead
With a balance of veteran transfers and high-upside freshmen, the Mustangs' 2025–26 roster is built to sustain the program's championship standard.
"This group fits our culture and our mission as a program," Goldberg said. "They want to compete at the highest level, but just as importantly, they want to grow as men of character. I'm excited to see how they blend with our returning core to chase what's next."
The Mustangs open their title defense at home on Jan. 22, 2026, in a rematch of last May's national championship contest against Saint Xavier (IL) in The MacArthur Center. You can also watch the team take on NCAA Division I power UC Irvine at home on Oct. 4 as they look to extend their historic run of success and build on the foundation of the program's first national championship.
