Lexington, KY - The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 2026 Thirty Under 30 recipients on Tuesday morning as Vassar College Women's Volleyball Head Coach Tyler Blank was named as college selection of the award that includes women's and men's indoor and beach coaches.

In Blank's first season at the helm of the Brewers, Vassar posted its most victories since 2017 with a record of 19-8 overall and 4-4 in Liberty League play. The Brewers reached the First Round of the Liberty League Championship and saw junior Maura McAusland (First Team All-Liberty League and AVCA All-Region III) earn AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, the first All-American selection since 2018. Blank also mentored All-Liberty League selection Francesca Medrano while McAusland finished in the top-50 nationally in hitting percentage. 

Vassar also recorded the highest hitting percentage in a single season since 2017 (.215) while McAusland finished with 404 kills, which ranks eighth all-time in a single season in Vassar program history, 4.54 kills per set, (second highest mark in program history in a single season) and third all-time in hitting percentage in a single season at .329. Senior Rebecca Gutierrez also set a new single game program record in total blocks with 10 against Union and closed her career ranking tied for seventh in blocks per set at 0.59. Medrano concluded her strong season with two marks that are sixth all-time in a single season at 9.62 assists per set and 0.66 aces per set.

Prior to his time at Vassar, Blank led the Manhattanville women's volleyball team to three straight Skyline Conference titles and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. During his tenure, Blank mentored 12 All-Conference selections, including two conference Players of the Year, one Libero of the Year and one Rookie of the Year. Blank was also named the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year in 2023.

From Coach Blank:

What made you decide to get into coaching volleyball?
From high-level competitor to dedicated coach, my passion for volleyball has always been driven by the sport's unique community. I transitioned into coaching because I find deep fulfillment in the grind of student athlete development. There is a specific kind of joy in helping athletes reach their potential and knowing your mentorship helped bridge that gap. The conversations that happen off the court are just as important as the ones in between the lines. As an educator, my 'why' is rooted in the opportunity to impart wisdom on our student athletes and speak on life lessons for after volleyball.

What are your career goals in the sport?  
My ultimate competitive goal is to lead a program to a national championship, but I believe that journey is paved with the relationships we build along the way. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where student-athletes reach their highest potential both on and off the court. By establishing a culture of excellence and positivity, I aim to leave behind a legacy of success that myself and my players can be proud of.

Which coaches have influenced you the most?
I am a product of the Rochester volleyball community, where I was fortunate enough to be guided by coaches like Cal Wickens and Steve England. Their influence was integral in setting me on this path. Through years of mentorship and deep-dive strategy sessions, they've helped me translate my passion as a player into a career as an educator. I carry the lessons they taught me everywhere I go. Craig Kolek was also someone that was crucial to my development as a college player and now head coach. He helped shape my understanding of the game and the leadership it requires to be successful.

What do you enjoy most about your coaching job?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sharing a common passion for the game with student-athletes who truly love what they do. Coaching at the Division III level has provided me with deep insight into the delicate balance between academic excellence, athletic competition, and the overall college experience. I am a firm believer in knowing our athletes as people first. I find genuine joy in learning about their passions outside of volleyball and supporting their growth beyond the court.