NAPERVILLE — The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin announced its 2025 All-Conference men's volleyball teams, with Carthage College well represented across the list.
Junior
Ryan Morey was named CCIW Setter Student-Athlete of the Year, the first of his career. A four-time CCIW Setter of the Week this season, Morey has recorded 746 assists while averaging 9.21 assists per set — ranking third in the conference and No. 20 nationally in that category. He posted a season-best 51 assists in a match against North Central (Ill.) on March 19.
Head coach
JW Kieckhefer was named CCIW Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career. Kieckhefer surpassed 100 career wins at Carthage earlier this season and has guided the Firebirds to top-five national rankings in multiple statistical categories, including third in kills per set, fourth in hitting percentage, and fifth in assists per set. Kieckhefer has earned Coach of the Year honors in three of the past six seasons. The Firebirds were ranked No. 4 in this year's American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national rankings this season and are currently ranked No. 6.
Four Firebirds were selected to the All-CCIW First Team, including Morey,
Ryan Cholewinski,
Ben Heise, and
Owen Otto.
Cholewinski earned his second consecutive First Team nod, highlighted by season-bests of 10 kills against North Park on April 1 and seven total blocks against Stevens on Jan. 31. He ranks fourth in the conference in hitting percentage and eighth in total blocks.
Heise, a two-time CCIW Hitter of the Week, claimed his first First Team honor after recording season-highs of 15 kills against North Central (Ill.) and 10 digs against Augustana (Ill.). He sits seventh in the league in hitting percentage and 10th in total kills.
Otto, also a two-time Hitter of the Week, turned in season-best performances of 19 kills versus North Central (Ill.) and 12 digs on January 31. He ranks second in total kills and aces, ninth in hitting percentage, and second in total points.
Owen Hendricks was named to the All-CCIW Second Team. A two-time CCIW Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week, Hendricks finished with 197 kills and 24 total blocks. He ranks in the top 10 in the conference in hitting percentage, kills, aces, and points. His top performance came with 14 kills and 18 points against Loras on March 1 and seven blocks against Illinois Wesleyan on March 29.
Zack Noland, Carthage's libero, also earned Second Team honors, the first of his career. Noland posted a season-high 22 digs against UC Santa Cruz on Jan. 18 and registered double-digit digs in 10 matches this year.
Jack McDonald was selected as Carthage's recipient of the CCIW RESPECT Award. Presented annually to one student-athlete from each varsity program, the award recognizes individuals who embody the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration, and Trust. McDonald distinguished himself as a leader on and off the court, serving as an integral part of the team, campus, and broader community.
The Firebirds start CCIW Tournament play against Augustana (Ill.) on Wednesday, April 9 at home starting at 7 p.m.
