This may be Mark Pavlik’s final season coaching Penn State, but he is hardly coasting to the finish line of his long and successful career.
The Nittany Lions (20-7, 12-0) finished first in the EIVA’s regular season for a 27th time under Pavlik, posted an undefeated conference record for a 19th time under Pavlik and have spent the entire season in the AVCA rankings. The team also boasts one of the nation’s best defenses. Penn State leads the nation in blocking (2.801 blocks per set) and is eighth in opponent hitting (.209).
For all that success, the EIVA’s coaches selected Pavlik as the Bob Sweeney Memorial Coach of the Year on April 21, 2026. This is the 11th time in his career Pavlik has been honored as the conference’s best coach.
Penn State wrapped up another EIVA regular-season title on April 17, rallying to beat George Mason 3-2, with the win also moving Pavlik into third on the all-time wins list for NCAA men’s volleyball coaches. Pavlik has a record of 714-248 over his 32 seasons. He has guided the Lions to 25 EIVA tournament titles and NCAA tournament appearances, four NCAA title matches and the 2008 championship. Only once during his tenure leading Penn State have the Lions posted a record below .500.
The top-seeded Nittany Lions are hosting the EIVA Championship Tournament this week in Rec Hall from April 22-25. Penn State next plays April 23 against the winner of the first-round match between Sacred Heart and Charleston.