Marist Grad Nathen Toth Thrives as MIT Freshman Volleyball Player

Toth leads MIT in kills, digs and aces despite rigorous academics

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Nathen Toth, a freshman outside hitter from Marist High School, has made an immediate impact on the MIT men's volleyball team. Despite the academic demands of MIT, Toth has excelled on the court, leading the team in kills, digs and aces. Toth says he was ready for the next chapter and hasn't experienced much homesickness, as he's been too busy with volleyball and schoolwork to feel homesick.

Why it matters

Toth's successful transition from high school to the rigorous academic and athletic environment at MIT demonstrates his talent and adaptability as a student-athlete. His performance is a testament to the strength of the Marist volleyball program in preparing players for the next level.

The details

As a freshman, Toth has opened the season leading MIT (15-3, 3-1 in the United Volleyball Conference) with 144 kills, 93 digs and 31 aces. He was named the United Volleyball Conference's rookie of the week just four days into the season. MIT has eight freshmen on the team, five of whom are getting regular playing time, but Toth's confidence from his high school and club volleyball experience has allowed him to compete at a high level.

  • The season opened for the MIT Engineers on January 16, 2026.
  • Four days later, on January 20, 2026, Toth was named the United Volleyball Conference's rookie of the week.

The players

Nathen Toth

A freshman outside hitter from Marist High School who has made an immediate impact on the MIT men's volleyball team, leading the team in kills, digs and aces.

Todd Elwell

The head coach of the MIT men's volleyball team, who appreciates Toth's coachability and willingness to learn despite the academic demands of MIT.

Jake Gasparich

A former star player and valedictorian at Lincoln-Way West who is now in his fourth season as an assistant coach for the MIT men's volleyball team.

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What they’re saying

“I loved Marist to death, but I was ready for this next chapter. I wouldn't call it homesickness, but it was nice to be home during the break. If anything, I'm too busy to be homesick. I don't have time for that.”

— Nathen Toth, Freshman outside hitter (chicagotribune.com)

“You get guys at MIT who are on this wicked smart spectrum of intelligence. Sometimes, they are quick to want to run with what they have in their head and they are a little slower to absorb what others have to share. I really like how Nate listens well. He's very coachable, and when players get that good, at times they can feel like they are above it. But he's so humble and so willing to do the little things that helped get him here.”

— Todd Elwell, Head Coach, MIT Men's Volleyball (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

MIT will continue its season, looking to build on its upset victory over the 5th-ranked New York University team. Toth and the young Engineers squad will aim to maintain their strong start and compete for a United Volleyball Conference championship.

The takeaway

Nathen Toth's successful transition from high school to the elite academic and athletic environment at MIT demonstrates the strength of the Marist volleyball program in preparing student-athletes for the next level. Despite the rigorous demands of MIT, Toth has thrived on the court, showcasing his talent, adaptability and coachability.