DUBUQUE, Iowa – Loras men's volleyball head coach Dylan Ross adds nine Duhawks to his squad ahead of the 2025 season. Joining the team will be Jacob Strahan, James Pirocanac, Connor Jaral, Aidan Peloquin, Evan Dziadkowiec, Lucas Eckrose, William Vannoy, Nolan Krygsheld and Bo Brainerd.

Last season, the Purple and Gold had its most successful campaign to date which included breaking the single season win record, garnering both a regular season and conference tournament title, hosting the first and second round of the NCAA tournament and concluding their season in the Elite Eight.

Strahan, a 6-4 right side from Round Lake, Ill., comes to Dubuque by way of Grayslake Central High School where he was a Northern Lake County Conference (NLCC) All-Conference and All-Academic honoree. The accolades didn't stop there for the incoming freshman as he also added a News Sun Lake County All Area team and Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association (IVCA) All-State Honorable Mention selections to his resume. The Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) Class of 2024 Watch List member helped his high school squad break the school record for wins in a single season, while also becoming the all-time block leader and team MVP.

Ross on Strahan: "Jacob's volleyball game has grown a ton in the last 12-18 months since I recruited him, and I am stoked to see it continue to grow over his 4 years here."

Pirocanac, a 6-6 middle blocker and Burlington, Wis. native, capped off his career at Burlington High School in style. He was named team captain and later on garnered the MVP title, while also earning First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State distinction. 

Ross on Pirocanac: "Physically James' ceiling is very high. It will be fun to work with him and get him in the weightroom and get him more consistent on the court."

Jaral, a 6-4 outside hitter from New Lenox, Ill., brings an impressive high school resume to Dubuque. The Lincoln-Way West High School graduate was a two-time All-Conference honoree as well as a member of the State Finals All-Tournament Team and the Illinois Prep All-State Team. He was recognized as the Joliet Herald Player of the Year, while also earning a place on the First Team All-State and First Team All-Area squads.

Ross on Jaral: "Connor adds to his offensive game every time I see him play. I can't wait to get him adjusted to the speed and physicality of the game and see where his career goes."

Peloquin is a 5-10 outside hitter/libero from Evergreen Park, Ill. who dominated the court throughout his time at St. Rita of Cascia. He finished his high school career as a four-year starter, three-time All-Conference player, a two-time captain and a two-time All-Area Team member.

Ross on Peloquin: "Aidan is so versatile and has tremendous ball control. I am excited to see his game grow over the course of his collegiate career."

Dziadkowiec, a 6-1 setter from Lockport, Ill., is ready to bring his winning ways to campus. The Lockport Township High School graduate won four regional championship titles with his team, while also earning All-State Team distinctions every year of his high school career, which included three First Team All-State honors. He concluded his senior year by being named the Illinois Prep Player of the Year.

Ross on Dziadkowiec: "Evan doesn't shy away from the moment. He stays ahead of defenses, which is why he ranks among the top on the assist charts in IHSA (Illinois High School Association) history. I am really excited to see how he adjusts to collegiate level defenses."

Eckrose is a 6-2 outside hitter/defensive specialist from Kimberly, Wis. who has proven he is ready to compete at the next level. The Kimberly High School graduate was a two-time captain and a two-time All-Conference honoree. He was a member of the JVA Class of 2024 Watch List and finished his junior campaign with his high school team in the state tournament semifinals.

Ross on Eckrose: "Lucas' volleyball IQ and competitiveness is what I am stoked to add to the gym. He will bring the most out of his teammates day in and day out."

Vannoy, a 6-5 middle blocker from Indianapolis, Ind., boasts an unmatched high school resume that he is ready to bring to Dubuque. The Roncalli High School graduate is no stranger to success as he was named to the All-Regional, All-State and All-State Tournament teams as well as his team's defensive MVP. He is a three-time state champion and has also excelled inside the classroom, earning a place on the All-State Academic team.

Ross on Vannoy: "Will is a work horse on and off the court. I am excited to get him here and training at this level to see how far his work ethic takes him."

Krygsheld, a 6-5 right side from Monee, Ill. comes to campus by way of Chicago Christian High School and most recently Lindenwood University where he spent the past two seasons. In high school, he was a two-time All-Conference recipient and named the Chicagoland Christian Conference MVP.

Ross on Krygsheld: "Nolan wants to contribute. I am impressed by his maturity and how he wants to take our culture and our team to the next level. That is our only goal, and he will help us in both those categories."

Brainerd, a 6-8 middle blocker, makes his way to Dubuque following a high school career at Kettle Moraine High School and two years at Mount Mercy University. The Delafield, Wis. native was a part of the team that won the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) state championship in 2020, while also garnering Classic 8 Conference Second Team All-Conference status in 2021. He wrapped up his time in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) with a Second Team Heart of America All-Conference selection and being named a Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete.

Ross on Brainerd: "We will be lacking experience next year and Bo is a much-needed addition for us. I'm stoked to have him as he comes in playing almost 150 sets of collegiate volleyball with an all-conference nod in the Heart of America Conference."