Josh Staehler may be a newcomer when it comes to collegiate men's volleyball, but his skill, grit, and determination on the court make him a head turner in Conference Carolinas. 

Josh is the starting sophomore libero captain for the Emmanuel Men's Volleyball team. For the non-volleyball experts, libero is the main defensive specialist on the court, also known as the "man in the different colored jersey." 

As the men's volleyball season kicks into full gear, Josh gave Emmanuel Athletics the inside scoop on his athletic journey, road to Emmanuel, and his goals for the program in 2025-26.

Josh Staehler comes from the small town of Shelbyville, Indiana He has always been a steadfast athlete, playing several sports growing up including soccer, t-ball and football. His passion for volleyball started in the 6^th grade when him and a group of friends organized a middle school league to play volleyball against the girls in their school. From then on, he was hooked and competed against the best in Indiana and across the United States. 

His love and dedication to the sport led him to commit to play for the Emmanuel Lions during his junior year of high school.  

When Josh came to Royston, Georgia he did not struggle to fit in and create a life here in the Springs. His upbringing in Indiana educated him to appreciate the slow-paced lifestyle that Emmanuel had to offer.

While at Emmanuel, Josh has learned to be more compassionate and aware of what others around him experience. Through his hardworking spirit and compassion for his teammates, he was given the opportunity to become a Captain this season. 

As a leader he says, "I am more worried about others than just myself. I make an effort to build lasting relationships with each of my teammates."

Staehler made his collegiate debut against the University of California Santa Barbara in January 2025 as the starting libero for the Lions.  

"Coming in as the third or fourth string libero, it lit a fire in me," Josh remembers. "Thinking about my parents and how much they sacrificed and all the time I've put into this sport motivated me to push myself to be better."

Not only was Josh skillfully selected to start this season, but he is also a great teammate and leads the back row with his enthusiastic cheering and support. During his freshman season, Josh exceeded over 200 digs and made it on the list of top 20 Conference Carolinas players for dig percentage, earning him a sport on the All-Conference Third Team.

When asked about his individual success on the court, Josh was quick to credit his teammates.

"I don't think individual success tells the full story," Josh said. "I can't do anything without my teammates and who they shape me to be." 

Though the 2025 season wasn't what the Lions hoped for, with a strong group of returners and talented newcomers, Josh and the Lions have found a new ambition to succeed, and they're just getting started.