SXU Student-Athlete Sets Program Record
Saint Xavier University (SXU) graduate student Matt Pennala has become SXU's all-time career kills leader. His contributions have tremendously impacted the University's men's volleyball program over the past two years.
In February, the opposite hitter set program history, tallying 924 kills to surpass the previous record of 908. In a match against Judson University, Pennala recorded seven kills on just eight attempts for an outstanding .750 attack percentage, along with two aces, an assist and a dig. Pennala also logged a match-high of 14 kills with a .476 attack percentage, contributing three service aces, two blocks and an assist.
Pennala's phenomenal performances have played a crucial role in SXU's No. 2 ranking in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). He has earned Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Player of the Week honors and Attacker of the Week honors three times this season.
"Honestly, I wasn't aware that I was nearing the record when I passed it. I am focused on the team's success and winning a national championship in my last year; if that means continuing to score for our squad, that's cool with me. Other than a national championship, I am looking to reach 1,000 kills now that I know I'm only 76 away," Pennala said.
As a native of Long Beach, California, Pennala came to Chicago after earning an associate degree at Long Beach City College, where he played for the men's volleyball team. He chose Saint Xavier to pursue a bachelor's degree and continue excelling in volleyball. With an undergraduate degree in communication and a minor in digital marketing, he hopes his MBA studies and athletic experience at SXU will lead to a career in digital and social media marketing or the opportunity to play volleyball overseas.
"I was excited to move to Chicago and start fresh, knowing volleyball would help make everything more enjoyable. My graduate degree allowed me to use my last semester of eligibility for volleyball. It was a path to continue the sport I love, but I also knew it would propel my career post-grad. I intend to enter the world of digital and social media marketing," said Pennala.
In addition to balancing volleyball and academics, Pennala is also a student worker for University Relations' Production Services team, which provides the University with a variety of multimedia production support. The busy schedule may be daunting to some, but Pennala thrives on having a list of tasks to complete. Getting up early to prioritize homework and practice is his key to success.
"Luckily, I'm an early riser. I love being up in the mornings, knowing that I'm taking advantage of the whole day. Having a schedule, whether it's work, lifting, or practice, gives me something to look forward to. If I didn't have a full schedule, I would feel unproductive. The consistency makes it easy to balance everything," Pennala said.
The men's volleyball team currently holds a record of 15-2 and aims to win both the CCAC tournament and the NAIA Championship Tournament in April. As Pennala takes in his final season as a Cougar, he reflects proudly on all he and the volleyball team have achieved over the years.
"The 2024-25 season team, the history made, and the accolades our team and I received were record-breaking and unprecedented at the time. What will remain memorable to me is everything we achieved as a team, despite coming up short, but especially the people --the individuals-- that have become my brothers for life."