We’re two months removed from the end of the 2023 season, and DIII programs across the country have begun to release their incoming freshman classes via social media. It’s my favorite time of year honestly, getting to see the new faces who will be joining us in the D3VB landscape.
However, incoming freshman won’t be the only ones receiving new uniforms next season. Every year there’s a handful of athletes who transfer between programs for one reason or another. Whether they have extra years of eligibility due to covid or are finding a better fit academically, several athletes each year will find themselves playing in a new gym.
This new summer series will attempt to identify impact players transferring to new programs, as there are always quite a few each summer. This list is by no means exhaustive, and we’ll be doing multiple releases throughout the summer. We’ll report what we can confirm as the summer progresses. Let’s dive in!
Andrew Kim – Outside Hitter – Vassar to Hobart
All-American Andrew Kim has been one of the best Outsides in D3VB over the last four years, having a career season in 2023. He helped Vassar reach the NCAA final four behind 318 kills (3.87 kills/set, .406 hitting percentage) for the season. His decision to get his graduate degree at Hobart makes the first-year program immediately competitive in the UVC. Get Hobart on your schedules.
Brandon Dunz – Middle Blocker – St. Francis (PA) to Wentworth
Brandon Dunz is a huge addition for Wentworth this off-season. The 6’8 Middle Blocker just capped his senior year at St. Francis-PA (DI/II NEC), finishing as a 2nd Team All-NEC selection and four time NEC Defensive Player of the Week. Good luck swinging through him and the 6’10 Laboo-monster.
Jon Pfleuger – Opposite – St. Francis (Brooklyn) to Hunter
St. Francis-Brooklyn (DI/II NEC) announced they were ceasing their athletic programs this past spring, forcing a lot of athletes into the transfer portal if they wanted to continue playing. Jon Pfleuger was one of them, and he’s found a new home at Hunter. I’d be shocked if the 6’6 lefty opposite wasn’t a force in the CUNY from day 1.
Danny Smithers – Libero – CUI to North Central
North Central graduated starting libero Parkerjames Nelson following their loss in the NCAA Finals but may have found a great contender for the role in Danny Smithers. The Sports Performance alum transfers to North Central following two years competing in the MPSF for Concordia Irvine.
Tyler McConnel – Outside Hitter – Mt. Olive to Messiah
The loss of All-American Mason Nissley will hurt, but Messiah secured an amazing prospect in sophomore Tyler McConnel to compete for the OH1 spot. The Yorktowne alum comes to Messiah from Mt. Olive (DI/II Conference Carolinas). A 6’4 pin with plenty of upside, he’ll be a solid addition to the Falcons as they start the next chapter of their young program.
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