News Detail

Volleyball’s Colin Zimmerman Commits to MIT

4/22/2025

Brophy all-state senior setter Colin Zimmerman has committed to attend school and play volleyball at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“I am super excited,” said Zimmerman. “It has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. I told my Mom I wanted to go to one of the top schools in the country to play a sport. When I was younger, I thought it would be basketball. I'm excited about the great opportunity.”

Zimmerman helped lead the Broncos to the 2024 Arizona State Championship in his first season as the starter. He was an all-state and all-region selection. He ranked seventh nationally in assists (1,038, 9.1 per set) during his breakout junior season.

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“It is a great feeling,” said Zimmerman. “I have been playing volleyball since I was nine. It has become a part of who I am. I get to continue my career for another four years, and hopefully continue after that if that is the plan. It is amazing to know I get to continue to play in college.”

He will get the best of both worlds by continuing at one of the top schools in the country, where he plans to study Data Science.

“It was really important to me, and my parents have talked to me about the fact that sports are temporary,” said Zimmerman. “Athletics are great, but you will stop or retire at some point. What you can do after earning your degree is important. They always stressed the importance of a good school and a degree to set myself up later in life.”

He will play for Todd Elwell, who enters his eighth season as the head coach of the MIT men's volleyball team. In eight seasons with the Engineers, Elwell has guided MIT to a 104-53 record and three appearances in the United Volleyball Conference (UVC) playoffs.

“No one will work harder to master the things they take on - be that on the court or in the classroom,” said Brophy Head Coach Tony Oldani. “He's not someone who seeks the result or reward. He challenges himself to be the best version of himself that he can be. He takes hard classes not to boost his GPA, but because of his curiosity and desire for improvement and growth. It's the same in the gym. He never settles for being a good player - he is in a constant state of learning and growth.”

Zimmerman has made the most of his Brophy experience, engaging in religious studies. He has participated in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program for Brophy students who wish to become members of the Catholic Church.

“Coming to Brophy, it has been a big part of the culture around me with the Catholic community,” said Zimmerman. “I am excited to join the community that Brophy has offered me for so long.”

While he has a championship on his resume, Zimmerman will remember the off-court moments as his highlights.

“The volleyball retreats are my favorite moments,” recalled Zimmerman. “They were great moments getting to bond with my teammates and become close with everyone in the program.”

He will participate in the Brophy Signing Day event on Wednesday, April 23.