Meet The Team

#3 Zachary Buerger

Zach is a junior Sociology and Anthropology major from Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. This is the first year playing on the tournament team for the 6’1 lefty opposite who started in his first friendly matches at home against Carleton and Bethel this past November. In the Bethel match Zach came up clutch against the Royals with two late points (one block and one kill) to help keep St. Olaf stay undefeated on the day. Zach’s contributions as a positive and energetic force on and off the court are an incredibly important part of the team chemistry.

#5 Gabriel Contreras

Gabe is a junior Economics major from Caracas-Baruta, Venezuela. Although Gabe is listed as a libero, he primarily plays as either a right back defensive specialist or serving sub. While on the court he provides passion, energy, and confidence for the team and makes the most of his opportunities by scoring clutch points from the service line and making fantastic rally saving digs. From an administrative perspective Gabe took charge of managing our largest source of club income this fall: reffing women’s volleyball. Under his leadership, the Oles were able to rack up the most external fundraising in team history, working over 115 total assignments across 50 total matches.

#7 Tinayeishe Makusha

Tinayeishe “Emmanuel” Makusha is a first year middle blocker and opposite from Li Po Chun United college in Hong Kong. In just his first year with the Oles Emmanuel has established himself as a formidable force from both the middle blocker and area 2 positions. This fall Emmanuel lead the team in blocks and finished 3rd in kills, a testament to both his versatility and consistency. Emmanuel has also demonstrated his deep commitment to the team by being one of only 3 Oles to play in every match this fall. Amongst his teammates Emmanuel is known as a fun-loving competitor who brings fierce energy to every point.

#8 Trevor Vlaming

Trevor is a junior Japanese and Asian studies major from The Waverley School in Pasadena, CA. On the court Trevor has been a dominant presence out of the middle, this past year at nationals Trevor was named an all tournament team honorable mention and lead the team in blocks. Trevor is respected amongst his peers as a kind but competitive player who is always willing to put the needs of the team first. He has also developed a reputation within the Oles one of the most dedicated students of the game, always willing to learn from others and get extra reps outside of practice. This fall Trevor spent 5 moths studying abroad in Japan.

#10 Simon Miller

Simon is a senior Political Science major from Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. Simon has served in an executive role within the club since his sophomore year. This fall, as the Vice President, Simon was primarily in charge of planning and organizing fall matches for the Oles, who, thanks to his hard work and dedication, were able to compete in 6 pre-season events, playing in a total of 14 matches. On the court Simon demonstrates his versatility by playing as both an outside hitter and a libero, leading the team in both digs and kills this fall. After graduation Simon hopes to continue playing in indoor, grass, and sand tournaments whenever he can.

#11 Paul Moris

Paul is a junior Psychology major from White Bear Lake High School in White Bear Lake, MN. Paul has served as the team treasurer for the past two years. A responsible and hardworking leader, Paul has kept St. Olaf Men’s Volleyball financially secure, never letting expenditures exceed income. Under Paul’s direction the Oles have successfully petitioned and worked for the highest funding and total income in recent team history. On the court Paul has been a force out of the middle, starting in the quarter-finals of nationals in 2022.

#12 João Costa

João is a sophomore from Colégio Sinodal in São-Leopoldo, Brazil. In just his second season with the team, João has been an unofficial team leader, always available to fill whatever off the court role is asked of him with spirit and enthusiasm. On the court, João has been a dominant force from the outside hitter position, leading the Oles in kills and making 2nd team all tournament during their 5th place run at nationals in 2022. More importantly, João has been a dependable teammate and friend to each and every member on the ream.

#14 Clay Wilkens

Clay is a senior Environmental Science major from St. Paul Central High School in St. Paul, MN. For four years Clay has been a consistent presence for St. Olaf Men’s volleyball. Like all great teammates, Clay is always willing to fill the role most needed by the team. Whether that means organizing travel for tournaments or helping manage finances, Clay is always there for his teammates when they need him. On the court Clay co-lead libero duties throughout the 2022 season and during Nationals, he finished the year 2nd on the team in digs.

#16 Aidan Lloyd

Aidan is a junior Film and Media Studies major from Lane Tech College Prep in Chicago, IL. A crafty left-handed middle blocker, Aidan was a consistent problem for defenders during the 2022 season and an even bigger obstacle as a block. Prior to last season Aidan played on the St. Olaf Varsity football team during his Freshman and Sophomore years. Upon joining the Oles last spring Aidan’s impact on team spirit was immediately felt. As a vocal leader Aidan helped create new team cheers and maintain communication during scoring droughts. Aidan spent the 2022 fall semester studying abroad in Italy.

#17 Geovani Pena

Geo is a junior Biology major from Prep Southwest High School in Houston, TX. In Geo’s first year with the tournament team he has asserted himself as both a fundamentally sound passer and deadly server, as he leads the team in aces this fall. Perhaps the most committed member of the team, Geo is the only player on the Oles to have played in every fall scrimmage and attended every single practice since his addition to the roster this year. As a teammate Geo is both fiercely competitive and kind, always willing to lend a hand and always ready to battle it out on the court.

#20 Hayden Reid

Hayden is a Junior Chemistry and Norwegian major from Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, WA. As a setter Hayden has been a dominant scoring machine in addition to a deadly accurate playmaker. Despite being listed as a setter, however, Hayden has played in multiple regular season matches as an outside hitter, and opposite throughout his first three years with the Oles as well, demonstrating tremendous versatility as a player. As a teammate Hayden is calm, yet fiercely competitive and cool under pressure. He is also a trustworthy and organized team leader who his teammates can always depend on.

#21 Mustafa Al-Bayati

Mustafa is a sophomore Psychology major from UWC East Africa in Tanzania. In Mustafa’s first year with the tournament team he has contributed as a versatile defender, playing equal time on both wings and in middle back. As a teammate Mustafa brings a calm and composed presence on and off the court, but also a determination to put his body on the line to make incredible plays for the team. Mustafa is regarded among many of his teammates as a loyal and trustworthy confidant as well as a passionate player who is willing to go the proverbial extra mile.

#23 Blue Nawa

#24 Elie Kayobe

Elie is a junior Philosophy and Physics major from UWCSA Waterford Kamhlaba in Mbabane, Eswatini. This is the first year playing on the tournament team for the 5’11 opposite who started his first tournament in early December at the University of Minnesota. On the court, Elie brings a calm and composed energy, and is always a dependable player in crucial situations. He is also considered an easily approachable friend among many of his teammates, and a curious student of the game who is always looking for ways to get better.

#25 John Davis

John Davis is a first year outside hitter from Southwest High School in Minneapolis, MN. In just his first year with the Oles John has established himself as a consistent force as an area 4 pin hitter. This fall John finished second on the team in kills demonstrating his high productivity and reliability on the court. John has also shown a deep commitment to the team by being one of only 3 Oles to play in every match this fall. Amongst his fellow Oles John is known as both a calm, easy-going, and approachable teammate as well as an intense and passionate competitor.

#29 Joe Linder