Shawn Olmstead Bolsters 2026 BYU Men’s Volleyball Roster with Four Standout Additions
PROVO, Utah (June 24, 2025) — In a major boost to the future of BYU men’s volleyball, head coach Shawn Olmstead has officially announced the recruitment of four talented standouts to join the Cougars’ 2026 roster: Trent Moser, Connor Oldani, Max Philipe, and Kyle Zediker .
This quartet brings diverse experience and bright potential to Provo, each emerging from the recently discontinued Grand Canyon University (GCU) volleyball program or previously committed elsewhere.
💥 Meet the Newcomers
**Trent Moser (6‑7, Outside Hitter)**
A native of Gilbert, Arizona, Moser is reuniting with BYU for his senior season after playing two years earlier in Provo. He led GCU in kills during the 2025 season and earned AVCA Honorable Mention All-American honors. He also landed on the All‑MPSF Freshman Team in 2023 and started nine games for the Cougars in 2024 .
**Connor Oldani (6‑5, Outside Hitter)**
Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona and a former high-school captain, Oldani recorded 46 kills, 11 blocks, 18 digs, and four aces in his freshman season at GCU. His résumé includes honors like Arizona 6A State Player of the Year and an AVCA Second Team All-American nod .
**Max Philipe (6‑5, Middle Blocker)**
A Houston native, Philipe had committed to GCU before its volleyball program was disbanded. He starred at Houston Volleyball Academy and attended USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program Experience at the 2024 Boys Junior National Championship. A Carnegie Vanguard High School graduate, he’s lauded for his energy and ceaseless drive .
**Kyle Zediker (6‑5, Setter)**
After one season at GCU, Zediker transfers in with strong stats: 219 assists, 29 digs, 19 blocks, and 12 kills in 16 matches—including a season-high 45 assists against Stanford. A three-year captain in high school, he was named First-Team All-Conference in 2022 and 2023 .
🗣 Olmstead’s Enthusiastic Welcome
“We are excited about the addition of these athletes to our program here at BYU,” said Olmstead. “Kyle, Connor and Trent come to us from GCU and will add valuable experience to our roster. We’ve also watched Max for some time now and love his energy and commitment to improvement.”
Olmstead also praised the supportive community each player brings, emphasizing their fit within BYU’s competitive and spirited environment.
🌟 Immediate Impact & Program Context
Three transfers from Grand Canyon and one standout former commit arrive at a time when BYU is retooling its roster. Olmstead has already signaled an infusion of transfer talent, citing upcoming roster limits and experience needs . These signings represent strategic moves to reinforce the team’s depth and toughness for the coming season.
As BYU prepares for a transformed team and an 18-player roster cap next year, these four athletes bring skill sets and leadership that could shape the program’s trajectory in 2026.
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🔍 What This Means for Cougar Nation
BYU fans have plenty to be excited about:
Skill diversity: From Moser’s outside strength to Zediker’s court command, there’s talent across positions.
Leadership & momentum: Each player brings distinguished backgrounds—from state awards to national team exposure.
Seamless integration: Olmstead’s recruitment emphasizes smooth transitions and immediate impact.
Together, these players mark the next chapter of Cougar excellence as BYU aims to recapture its championship-caliber status under a roster refresh.
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In Summary
Coach Shawn Olmstead’s four new additions—Trent Moser, Connor Oldani, Max Philipe, and Kyle Zediker—inject fresh blood, passion, and experience into the BYU men’s volleyball program. With a revamped roster and renewed energy, Cougar fans can look forward to thrilling action and renewed competitiveness starting in 2026.
