2025 Fall Preview: Nevada Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Nevada volleyball returns a trio of all-conference players from last season’s 22-win team.

Kimber Eaton was a unanimous first-team all-conference honoree after she led Nevada with 380 kills on a .270% hitting percentage. Those numbers were an improvement from her sophomore marks of 153 kills and a .122%.

“Kimber became much more consistent and intelligent as an attacker,” Nevada head coach Morgan Sanderson said. “She has always had great knowledge of the game, but we watched her grow overall as her knowledge and confidence began to mix. I am thrilled to see her continue to soar this season.”

She will play outside this season.

“Kimber will be a consistent threat for us on the outside,” Sanderson said. “She is extremely athletic, and I believe she has really just scratched the surface of her athleticism the past three seasons. Kimber will be a top contributor for us in many ways. She is a great leader for us on and off the court.”

Ashlyn Dean earned second-team all-conference honors as a libero leading Nevada in both digs (445) and serve receptions (506).

“It doesn’t take someone long to watch Nevada play before they recognize Ashlyn’s ability. She brings a lot of spunk and passion to the game. She is a competitor and wants to win. It doesn’t matter where the ball is on the court; she’s going to give you her best effort to make a play, even when it seems like there’s no way,” Sanderson said. “There is no doubt Ashlyn is one of our top vocal leaders. She is a consistent communicator and is always wanting to grow in skill and knowledge of the game so that she can make those around her better.”

Stella Fast will contribute in the middle and on the right side coming off an honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago. She contributed 122 kills as a junior.

“Stella will do anything you ask her to do; I have not a doubt in my mind that she would nod her head and start sprinting if I asked her to run through a wall,” Sanderson said. “She’s not in it for the stats or the recognition. She is a team player through and through and displays her unselfish nature in the way she leads by example. She trains hard every chance she gets, which is why she continues to grow as a volleyball player.”

Nevada has a deep sophomore class led by Cora Braden and Alatna Snyder.

“Both are very versatile players but are gifted setters,” Sanderson said. “These two know the game and have made huge strides in the offseason to make a big impact for us.”

Juniors Halle Hawks (DS), Anna Swarnes (right side/outside) and Kierston Eador (middle) will all have opportunities to contribute.

“This team wants to win,” Sanderson said. “They love to compete. I am as competitive as they come, so seeing them share that same passion and desire ignites a whole new level of excitement. We are going to scrap and play hard in all facets of the game, but especially defensively. That has been a large focus of our summer thus far.”

Nevada will attend the Carthage jamboree on Aug. 26 before opening the regular season on Sept. 2 at Joplin.

“I have high expectations for this team because I know what they are capable of,” Sanderson said. “They are willing to put in the work and have high expectations set for themselves as individuals as well as for their team. The sky is the limit with that mindset.”