May 7, 2026
Santa Monica, Ca.
It was another exciting year for Santa Monica College Men's Volleyball. The team ended the season with a 16-9 record and won a second straight Northern Region Central League Title. The Corsairs also reached the state quarterfinals for the second year in a row. Demian Anisimov, freshman outside hitter, was named Northern Region Most Valuable Player and was joined by three Second Team All-Northern Region selections - freshman middle blocker Jayden Lyons, sophomore libero James Ban, and sophomore setter Ethan Lo. Sophomore opposite Samanu Hanneman and sophomore middle blocker Soorya Raman earned honorable mention.
Anisimov had a remarkable season that led to him earning MVP of the Northern Region. Demian hit .302 for the year and was the top ranked player in kills (352), aces (46), aces/set (0.53), and points earned (420). He also made a huge impact defensively with 154 digs and 40 blocks. "Winning MVP is an incredible honor, and I'm so grateful for it. It reflects not just my effort, but the support of my teammates and coaches who pushed me to be better every day," Demian expressed. "I am very proud of Demian. He is not only an incredible player, but he is an incredible person. The way he cares for and supports his teammates is remarkable," Coach Chown shared.
Playing for SMC Men's Volleyball is about more than statistical performance. When asked about the experience of being a part of this team, sophomore captain Ryan Montero said, "playing at SMC has honestly been one of the most transformative experiences for me, both as an athlete and as a person. It's not just about competing; it's about being a part of a system that demands growth every single day." Sophomore captain James Ban added, "I loved my experience playing volleyball at SMC and I wouldn't trade it for anything. When we play, it is for each other instead of for ourselves." There was a palpable joy amongst this group as they enthusiastically supported one another on and off the court.
"There is so much to be grateful for," expressed Coach Chris Chown. The team has made a habit of "hunting the good stuff" daily. Of course one of the goals of a competitive team is to win games, and the Corsairs did their fair share of winning, but how this team defines success goes much deeper than wins and losses. They spend time unpacking what it means to grow as a whole person as they commit to giving each other their best each day. "I am so proud of this team. They have grown so much as individuals and as a group. It is clear how much they care for each other. The deep bond they have with one another is truly special," Chown shared. This bond creates an environment in which each member of the team feels supported and safe amidst their humble pursuit of the best version of themselves. Ryan Montero articulated the impact of the team's core values - "there was a real emphasis on being hungry, staying humble, and appreciating the opportunity we had every day. The energy, the communication, and accountability were different. It created an environment where people weren't afraid to be coached, to make mistakes, and to grow from them."
The Corsairs say farewell to eleven sophomores who made a profound and lasting impact on the program. They have helped build a strong foundation for the student-athletes that will proudly represent SMC Men's Volleyball next season and beyond. There is already great excitement amongst the 2026-2027 squad to carry the banner and keep striving towards excellence together. Stay tuned and be sure to come out and support the Corsairs in 2027!