Just like old times, Sam Levinson and Connor Carroll found themselves together again on a volleyball court by traveling a continent away. In their first time together since teammates on the Lyons Township High School boys volleyball team, the 2023 graduates were part of the USA D-3 men’s team that played four matches in Brazil while based in Rio de Janeiro June 8-17.
Levinson (Springfield College) and Carroll (Aurora University) were among 10 Division III men’s players. There also was a 10-player USA D-3 women’s team.
“I would definitely call it an almost lifetime experience,” said Levinson, also joined by Springfield teammate Brennan Cutter. “It was a lot of fun with them (Carroll and Cutter), especially sharing it with two guys I know so well, and when you come home for the rest of the summer, it’s something we’re going to talk about – for the rest of our lives probably. It was such a tight-knit group in such a short period of time, which was awesome.”
The team played four matches over three days but were in Brazil for 10 days. Family members also were allowed to accompany the team and Levinson’s parents went. One morning in Rio, the U.S. team also conducted a volleyball clinic for youth girls volleyball players from throughout Brazil.
“That was one of the highlights – all young players and how enthusiastic they were. They were super-excited to be there,” Carroll said. “(The trip) was really just awesome. In every kind of aspect I looked at it, just a great, great experience. The volleyball was super fun. The guys on the team were great, easy to get along with. We played well but there was time to experience the people and culture of Brazil, which was really fun.”
USA D-3 and North Central College men’s coach Kevin Kustura knows Carroll well. Kustura previously was an Aurora assistant coach for Carroll’s first two seasons. Kustura contacted Carroll about playing in Brazil. When asked about other players to consider, Carroll suggested Levinson, who already had quite a ride this spring in helping Springfield win the DIII national championship after finishing second in 2025. Carroll was part of Aurora’s first DIII tournament berth in 2025.
“Obviously it was phenomenal to play with somebody I really enjoy. It was super-fun to play with (Levinson),” Carroll said.
The USA D-3 men finished 2-2, winning its first two matches June 10-11 against younger club teams, including Club Flamingo. The final two matches June 13 in Barra Tijuca were against adult teams with many of the players former professionals.
After every match, players exchanged jerseys and souvenirs. Levinson said he gave away a few uniforms from his 630 club team days.
“It was good competition,” Levinson said. “We got to see every type of age group, different kinds of skill levels and play with guys we know well (from other teams) but we hadn’t really played with each other.”
Meshing was a challenge. The USA D-3 players had just one practice together before their matches. Levinson and Carroll both played right-side hitter the first two matches but Carroll was moved to outside hitter the final day. Although they were in different rows, the former Lions were on the court together for the first time since they helped LTHS finish a program-best second at the 2023 state tournament as starting seniors.
“Connor and I gave each other a hug on the court. I really wanted us to play three (sets),” Levinson said.
“It was fun to get on the court with him. It was a really cool thing for both of us,” Carroll said.
As tourists, one of the players’ first sights was the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. They also rode a zipline through Sugar Loaf Mountain and walked the 215 steps of Escadaria Selaron.
“I don’t think pictures do (Christ the Redeemer) justice. The views are insane – the whole Rio skyline, coastline,” Levinson said. “Out of all of the different things happening, it was surprising I got to combine a family vacation with a friends’ vacation with one of my best friends from home and school.”
The players’ hotel was on Copacabana beach. The night of June 13, they joined the outdoor mass watching of Brazil’s opening World Cup men’s soccer match against Morocco.
“That was really cool to see how much they love soccer there. That was definitely one of the highlights,” Carroll said.