BUENA VISTA, Va - After a decorated career which culminated in the 2025 NCAA Championship, another Southern Virginia University men's volleyball alumnus is taking his talents overseas.
Kristo Bianchin, an important piece to the Knights' recent championship run, has become the newest member of the Newcastle University Knights volleyball team in England. Bianchin will compete on their university and professional teams while pursuing a Master's Degree in International Business.
In four years at Southern Virginia, Bianchin established himself as one of the premier defensive stalwarts in the country. His 238 career blocks are a program record and led him to three all-conference nods from the CVC.
He also produced a historic performance during the NCAA Final Four, recording 11 blocks in a semifinal win over Juniata and clinching the national championship with a game-winning kill against Springfield.
Sam Shenton leads both the professional and university teams at Newcastle as Head Coach. On the professional side, they'll compete in the Volleyball England Super League. For university, Newcastle will see action in the British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) league.
Bianchin will kick off his career overseas in October and represent both Newcastle teams for one season.
For the most up-to-date information and details on Southern Virginia University men's volleyball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmvolleyball on Instagram.
