The 2024-2025 athletic season culminated with another highly successful year for Aurora University Athletics. With the lofty achievements comes the recognition of the athletes that made the success possible, today with the Aurora University Male Athlete of the Year. The award, as voted on by staff members of the AU Athletic Department, will be presented to men's volleyball student-athlete Josh McLellan.

McLellan wrapped up a tremendous 2024-2025 season, receiving national accolades for his on-field and classroom performances while securing the top athletic honor bestowed upon a Spartan male student-athlete. He was named an All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and an Academic All-America by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) for his on the course and in the classroom performances. The All-American honors were the first ever from both organizations for an AU men's volleyball student-athlete.

McLellan was named AVCA Region IV All-Region and was previously given top honors from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference being named the NACC Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference.

On the 2025 campaign he recorded 413 kills (4.09 per set) while posting a .308 hitting percentage. He has also contributed 139 digs, 42 blocks (four solo), 18 service aces, and six assists. The 2025 season saw him set a new single season record for kills, breaking the record he set in 2024 and became AU's all-time leader in kills, currently sitting at 786.

The AU men's volleyball program finished the 2025 season with a 26-5 overall record and went 11-1 in the NACC while capturing the regular season and tournament championships. The 26 wins shattered the previous single season record of 18 set in 2024.