FAIRFAX, Va. – Outside hitter Michael Kapusta and middle blocker Justin Spiegel signed National Letters of Intent to become the first two members of George Mason men's volleyball's 2018 incoming class.

Head coach Jay Hosack will lose five players – many of whom played a key role in the 2016 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association title run – due to graduation at the end of the upcoming 2017 season and is already working on suitable replacements for his seniors.

Michael Kapusta – Bethel Park High School | OH | 6-7 | Bethel Park, Pa. 

Kapusta will bring 12 years of volleyball experience to Mason, including four years at Bethel Park, which earned him four varsity letters. Kapusta averaged 19 kills, seven service aces and 10 blocks per match for the Blackhawks, which made him a vital component of their success. As a result, the outside hitter earned First Team all-state, all-WPIAL region and all-district honors. Kapusta demonstrated even higher offensive productivity in his two years with Pittsburgh Volleyball Club, during which he averaged 24 kills per match as well as three aces and nine blocks per contest.

"Michael comes in with a high level of experience," said Hosack, who was named 2016 EIVA Coach of the Year in his first season with the Patriots. "He already passes at a high level, which helps him become a contributor from the start. He has a live arm and can hit from both pins, which also allows us to look at him working from both positions in the future. We look forward to seeing his progress in our gym over the next 4-5 years."

Justin Spiegel – Webster Thomas High School | MB | 6-7 | Webster, N.Y.

Coming from a family with a tradition of intercollegiate athletics, Justin Spiegel earned five varsity letters in eight seasons of volleyball (3), basketball (1) and track competition for Webster Thomas. The nephew of 1992 All-America Honorable Mention Quentin Spiegel earned All-Monroe County honors and MVP recognition in his four years with the Titans while also being named Scholar Athlete. In two years of club volleyball with the Rochester Pace Bootleggers, the middle blocker made back-to-back appearances on the national stage and won the 2016 Can-Am Volleyball Tournament in January.

"Justin has a great arm and can already hit with range," Hosack said about his new addition. "He is also very mobile, which is key for a middle blocker when blocking. We look for him to be an impact in our gym from day one, and I am excited for his future here at Mason."