Sophomore Alessandro Spendolini capped off an outstanding first season at Hope International with his selection as the GSAC Men's Volleyball Newcomer of the Year on Monday.

The GSAC, in partnership with Under Armour, also announced the 2026 Men's Volleyball All-Conference Team and Spendolini was one of 14 players recognized on the prestigious list.

The Fano, Italy native led the Royals in kills (299) and service aces (16), posting double-digit kills in 16 of the 20 matches he played in. Spendolini had one of the all-time great performances in program history on March 27 when he pounded 37 kills against Benedictine Mesa. That total tied for second in HIU single-match history alongside Caleb Fetui, who accomplished the feat twice in 2002.

Spendolini also developed into one of the better defenders for the Royals. He tallied double-digit digs on nine occasions, including a season-high 14 against Menlo and La Sierra. He led the Royals with nine double-doubles.

Among the GSAC leaders, the 6-foot-4 outside hitter finished second in kills per set (4.04) and seventh in digs per set (1.95).