Women's Volleyball Honors CSUN Faculty on MVP Night
10/7/2025 1:55:00 PM | General, Women's Volleyball
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - In the first MVP (Most Valuable Professor) Night of the 2025-26 academic year, the women's volleyball team paid tribute to six CSUN professors between sets two and three of the Matadors' 3-0 Big West victory against Hawai'i on Saturday (Oct. 4) at Premier America Credit Union Arena.
"The MVP nights are a great celebration of our student-athletes and their dedication to both academics and athletics," said Mary Beth Walker, CSUN's Acting Director of Athletics. "The faculty here, through their insight and dedication, have an enormous impact on the success of these student-athletes."
Each participating student-athlete honored one professor who has significantly impacted their academic journey, underscoring the deep connections that extend beyond the classroom. Five of the six CSUN professors were joined by the nominating student-athlete on the court during the ceremony.
- Alex Kurtzman, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, was invited by student-athlete Tatiana Turgeon.
- Robin Sachs, a professor in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management, was invited by student-athlete Taylor Dunlap.
- Gini Vandergon, a professor in the Department of Biology, was invited by student-athlete Katie Kolar.
- Gidget Viani, a professor in the Department of Psychology and a six-time MVP honoree, was invited by student-athlete Amaris Smith.
- Glen Whitman, a professor in the Department of Economics, was invited by student-athlete Hayley Ogden.
- Gigi McGuire, a professor in the Department of Academic First Year Experience, was invited by student-athlete Saniyah Sobers, but was unable to attend.
#GoMatadors
