2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 82
Commending the Southern Virginia University men's volleyball team.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 2, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2026
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