‘A dream come true’: Men’s Volleyball’s Tyler Howard’s Transition from the Sidelines to Starter 

Loyola men’s volleyball redshirt second-year opposite hitter Tyler Howard has faced many changes since arriving at Loyola in the fall of 2023, from relocating to coaching changes and his role changing on the team. Howard’s road to Rogers Park was a unique one, with volleyball not even being his first sport in high school.

Previously a dedicated basketball player, Howard said he first began playing volleyball in his freshman year of high school to help his vertical in basketball. He joined club teams – NOC Volleyball and Pinnacle Athletic Club – his sophomore and junior year after getting a little better, where the possibility of playing in college became a reality. 

Howard said his desire to leave his hometown of Anaheim Hills, California and try something new led him to commit to Loyola. The good things he heard about the Midwest and the family he has in the area were factors which drew him out of California.  

Howard said he really likes the Midwest due to the kindness its residents show toward others. The weather was something he had to get used to though, he said. 

Howard was originally recruited by former Loyola men’s volleyball associate head coach Matt McCarthy, under then-head coach Mark Hulse. During Howard’s senior year of high school, John Hawks took over as head coach and continued Howard’s recruiting process. 

When Howard got to Loyola, he was under the care of Hawks until last season, when head coach Shane Davis returned to Loyola. Howard said these coaching changes have taught him a lot about volleyball and being selfless, something he will take with him into the future. 

The first thing Davis noticed about Howard was his athleticism and arm. Right away, he said he wanted to use Howard as a serving specialist due to the initial impression. 

Like many first-years, Howard was redshirted after arriving at Loyola. He said it was a humbling experience, but he spent it trying to better himself and learning to be the best cheerleader he could be for his teammates. He said he took this role seriously because of the impact he could have on lifting up the team in every way. 

Howard entered a new role as a serving specialist in his second year. The job holds a lot of pressure, according to Howard, especially not being as warmed up as the other players on the court. 

Howard made his first career start against Ball State University March 7, 2025 after then redshirt fourth-year Parker Van Buren was out due to an injury. Howard recorded a career-high 15 kills. 

Howard mentioned what he recalled during that game and the help he received from Van Buren. 

“We didn’t know if it was going to go great or not because I never played a game my life in college,” Howard said. “So [Van Buren] obviously helped me out a lot on the sidelines just mentally.” 

According to Howard, the match prepared him for what was to come this season. 

Third-year opposite hitter Aleksander Sosa was part of the starting line-up for the Ramblers to start this season. After suffering an injury during practice partway through the season, Howard stepped right into his position as a starter. 

Davis said the match against Ball State last season gave him a glimpse of Howard in a match setting, leading to growing confidence in Howard when Sosa got injured. 

According to Davis, the switch to Howard as a starter happened immediately when Sosa got injured in practice, which forced the team to start finding ways to adjust to a new man in the rotation. 

According to Howard, everyone on the team has been very helpful in his transition into the new role by looking out for ways he can improve, and said the starting role is something he’s always dreamed of. 

“And then, you know, starting recently, it’s been a dream come true,” Howard said. “This is what I’ve been looking forward to my whole volleyball career. So starting and representing Loyola as myself has been one of a kind, and I love it so much.” 

Over the last two years, Howard said being on the bench has slowed his motivation, but it never diminished it. When stepping on the court and being able to play his game confidently, Howard said it’s been very close to what he imagined it would be like. 

The changes Howard’s made since taking over as a starter have come in the form of his mindset and routine, he said. 

Howard said the role has come with a lot of positive stress, something he likes to have. When he was a bench player and during practice, Howard said he worried about helping the starters improve. Now in that same position, his teammates are there to help make him better. 

His current mindset, especially during practice, is about getting better, representing Loyola and securing wins to help move his team forward throughout the season, he said. His game day routine now consists of preparing himself physically and mentally for all the challenges that can occur on the court. 

“I’ve been shifting my mindset early on in the day that I’m going to play in this game and kick some butt,” Howard said. 

Davis praised Howard for his competitive nature on the court and confidence in himself, leading to some chipiness. Howard is very aggressive offensively and makes big plays for the team towards the end of sets. 

Davis said Howard stands out on the team with how well he’s adapted to his changing role on the team.

“[I’m] excited about the way he’s been able to kind of navigate that change and being able to thrive in those moments,” Davis said. 

Howard is double-majoring in marketing and finance, as he’s always been passionate about it and is following in the footsteps of his father. Howard also said he’s a big numbers guy, so finance has also been a passion for him. 

Aside from school, Howard said he loves hanging out with his friends, is a big foodie who loves finding new spots and loves to golf. Howard said he’d label himself the second best golfer on the team, only behind third-year outside hitter Jake Read. 

Howard has stayed at Loyola for the past three years and said he has no plan on leaving the university, team or program, noting the relationships he’s built with his teammates.  

“I’ve created my best friends on this team,” Howard said. “These are my guys for life. These are the guys I want to move forward with my life with.”