Pichler Named NACC Freshman Of The Year

MILWAUKEE (WLCSports.com) – Wisconsin Lutheran College's Brady Pichler (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) has been named Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Freshman of the Year, it was announced on Wednesday as the 2025 men's volleyball postseason awards were released by the league office.

In addition, Pichler was named First Team All-NACC and junior Drew Wempner (West Allis, Wis.) was named NACC Honorable Mention. The aforementioned Warriors are the first two players in program history to receive all-conference recognition.  

Pichler, a freshman opposite, played in 23 of WLC's 25 matches this season, posting 329 kills, 154 digs, 48 blocks (13 solo), 25 service aces, and 14 assists. He reached double figures in kills in all but one match, topping out at 21 on three separate occasions – January 11 vs. Calvin, February 4 at North Park, and February 18 vs. Marian. The two-time NACC Student-Athlete of the Week added another 20-kill performance at St. Norbert on March 8.

Pichler posted eight double-doubles, recording a season-high 18 digs on March 19 at Concordia Chicago. He also had three matches with four blocks. Pichler ranked second amongst NACC players - and ninth nationally - in attacks per set (9.89). He also ranked fourth in the league in kills per set (3.78) and points per set (4.42).

Wempner, a junior middle hitter, led Wisconsin Lutheran in attack percentage (.274), solo blocks (24), block assists (38), and total blocks (62). He also ranked atop the NACC in solo blocks and was also second on the team in points (233) and service aces (23). Appearing in 23 matches, Wempner reached double-digit kills in five matches, including a season-high 14 on March 8 at St. Norbert. He hit at least .500 on three separate instances, reaching a season-high .563 attack percentage on February 18 vs. Marian. Wempner tallied a season-high six total blocks on January 11 vs. Calvin.

The Warriors wrapped up their 2025 season 8-17 overall, which doubled the program's single season win mark and matched the program's total number of wins over their initial four years of existence. WLC also went a program-best 4-8 in league play and was fighting for a NACC Tournament berth until the final weekend of the season.