HU Men's Volleyball Welcomes Brazilian Talent Giordani Assunção

HUNTINGTON, Ind. – Huntington University head men's volleyball coach Ken Shaw continues to build the foundation for the program's inaugural varsity season with the signing of freshman Giordani Gabriel Moura Assunção from Pernambuco, Brazil.

A 5-foot-10 opposite hitter, Assunção joins the Foresters after a successful prep career at EREM São José where he distinguished himself as both a leader and standout performer. He earned team MVP honors and served as team captain, helping guide his squad through a highly competitive volleyball landscape.

Assunção's list of accomplishments extends well beyond the school level. At the Pernambuco School Games, he was recognized as both the top opposite hitter and best server in the JEPS competition. He also collected multiple MVP awards while competing at the club level, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact matches in a variety of ways.

"Giordani is an athlete with endless energy and passion," said Shaw. "He is focused on improving himself, physically, mentally and spiritually at Huntington University."

Assunção becomes one of several key additions for Shaw as Huntington transitions from club status to an official NAIA varsity program in 2026-27.

The Foresters are scheduled to make their varsity debut on November 12 when they travel to Aquinas for a preseason scrimmage before opening their first official season in the spring.

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 19 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 192 NAIA All-America honors and 698 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Huntington has a top quartile ranking in the 2026 U.S. News Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings.