Top Highlights to Watch in 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Season
The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball season is shaping up to be a wild ride. Top teams like Nebraska, Penn State, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Louisville are all hungry for the crown.
Penn State just clinched their eighth NCAA title in a dramatic 2024 season, so fans are buzzing with anticipation. Let’s take a look at the upcoming season’s most exciting storylines, players to watch, and the coaching shakeups that could change everything.
Top Contenders for the 2025 Season
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The AVCA Division I preseason poll is out, and Nebraska sits at the top. The Huskers snagged 40 first-place votes.
Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Louisville are right behind them. These teams look like the favorites heading into the championship, set for December 18-21 in Kansas City.
Nebraska’s New Era Under Dani Busboom Kelly
Nebraska made a big move by hiring Dani Busboom Kelly after John Cook retired. Busboom Kelly, a Nebraska native, knows the Huskers inside out—she’s won NCAA championships with them as both a player and assistant coach.
She built Louisville into a powerhouse, so the transition back to Nebraska feels natural. Key returners like outside hitter Harper Murray and middle blockers Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick should keep Nebraska dangerous.
Penn State’s Quest for a Ninth Title
Katie Schumacher-Cawley is steering Penn State as they aim to defend their title and tie Stanford’s record of nine NCAA championships. Their reverse sweep against Nebraska in the 2024 semifinals was unreal.
Penn State’s lineup is stacked again, so don’t count them out for 2025.
Key Matches to Watch
The 2025 season kicks off with some must-see matchups. The AVCA First Serve Showcase at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, promises fireworks.
Pittsburgh faces Nebraska on Friday, then Florida takes on Pittsburgh and Nebraska battles Stanford on Sunday. ESPN will air these games, so fans won’t miss a thing.
Inaugural Broadway Block Party
August 31 brings the first-ever Broadway Block Party at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Nebraska squares off against Kentucky, Tennessee meets Purdue, and Vanderbilt faces Illinois.
Vanderbilt’s back in varsity volleyball, led by assistant coach Lauren Plum, which adds some extra intrigue.
Impactful Transfers and Rising Stars
Transfers are shaking up rosters everywhere. One of the biggest moves is outside hitter Torrey Stafford leaving Pittsburgh for Texas.
Stafford averaged 4.24 points per set in 2024 and should give Texas an even bigger edge. Kentucky’s also loaded up by adding outside hitter Eva Hudson, last season’s Big Ten leader in kills per set.
Nebraska’s Strategic Additions
Nebraska brought in opposite hitter Allie Sczech from Baylor. She could make a real difference for the Huskers this year.
With these additions, the season’s competitiveness just keeps climbing.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact
Several teams are entering the season with new faces at the helm. Dani Busboom Kelly’s return to Nebraska stands out, especially with her deep roots in the program.
Louisville is now under Dan Meske, and they’re hoping to stay among the nation’s elite.
Florida’s New Leadership
Florida made a big change, too. Ryan Theis steps in for legendary coach Mary Wise, who never missed an NCAA tournament since 1991 and led the Gators to eight final fours.
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Wise is now part of ESPN’s broadcasting crew, while Theis looks to keep Florida’s tradition alive—and maybe even grab that elusive NCAA title.
The Rise of Major League Volleyball
Things are also heating up in the pro volleyball world. The Pro Volleyball Federation has rebranded as Major League Volleyball (MLV), opening doors for college stars to go pro.
MLV’s first season kicks off in 2026 with teams in Atlanta, Dallas, and Omaha. John Cook, fresh off his Nebraska coaching career, now serves as co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas.
Expansion and Future Prospects
MLV isn’t stopping there—they plan to add teams in Washington D.C. and Sacramento by 2027. There’s real momentum and investment in women’s professional volleyball right now.
It’s about time these college athletes had more pro opportunities, isn’t it?
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball season is almost here, and honestly, you can feel the buzz building. Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Louisville are all set to make some serious noise.
Coaching shakeups and big-name transfers are already stirring things up. It feels like every week there’s a new twist or headline.
Major League Volleyball is on the rise too, and that’s gotta mean good things for the sport’s future. If you’re hungry for more details or just want to keep up, check out the full article on the ESPN website.