Everyone loves to gawk at the price tags billionaires pay for sports teams: $250 million for Angel City FC; $110 million in expansion fees for the newest NWSL franchise in Denver; and most recently, $26.5 million paid by Alexis Ohanian for an 8 percent stake in Chelsea Women, which values the team at $326 million (£245 million).
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But what really goes into valuing a sports franchise, especially in women’s sports, where the revenue playbook is still being written?
I asked a handful of bankers and experts who work closely with investors interested in entering the space, and the answer is equal parts math, real estate and a little bit of storytelling.
Welcome to the first edition of Down to Business with Asli Pelit. Every other week, I will take you through the exciting, fast-changing and sometimes confusing world of fans’ favorite growth prospect: the business of women’s soccer. I can’t think of a better place to start than the flashiest numbers on the page, club valuations.
Valuation playbook darling: Revenue multiples
Traditionally, sports teams are valued using a variety of methods, including the income approach, market approach and asset-based approach. In short, the value of a sports team is determined by its future prospects (or cash flows), its brand value and its real estate investments.
But ultimately, as one of my favorite business school professors and the founder of Galatioto Sports Partners, Sal Galatioto, told me a long time ago, the value of a sports team is determined by scarcity value and by potential investors’ willingness to pay.
“It’s not just based on valuation, it’s based on scarcity, ego gratification and just wanting that asset,” he told me. “If you grew up as a fan of your favorite team and you have one opportunity that you may never get again to buy that team, you’re going to be a very aggressive bidder. You’re not focused on the numbers. You’re focused on winning.”
Despite the scarcity value and a billionaire’s willingness to pay, experts use a variety of data to calculate the value of a team.
One metric most bankers like to throw around is the revenue multiples. If a team pulls in $10 million in revenue and the average multiple in the league is 10x, you might say it’s worth $100 million. Sounds simple? It’s not.
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“Revenue multiples for leagues are informed by real-world transactions,” Sportico valuation expert Kurt Badenhausen said. “It’s not necessarily linear all the way down the line because a big-market team in a brand new stadium is different from a team that plays in a small market and needs significant investment in their facilities, but each deal creates a data point.”
The average NWSL team is now valued at $104 million, according to Sportico’s 2024 valuations, a 57 percent jump from the previous year. That figure is based on standard metrics used in soccer team transactions. It’s a combination of local and national revenues, multiplied by a team-specific revenue multiple. For NWSL franchises, those multipliers range from 5 to 10, with an average of 6.8. By comparison, the WNBA averages a slightly higher multiple at 7.3. These multipliers are calculated based on prior team sales or, if the property has been around for a while, by dividing the market value by revenue.
To make things more complicated, revenue multiples don’t capture future growth or structural issues a team might still be working through, even in a close league case such as the NWSL. This is especially true for women’s teams, where many don’t own their stadiums and don’t have the same access to sponsorship dollars as men’s teams do. This is the main reason NWSL has been prioritizing franchise bids that come with a stadium or a practice facility plan.
Celebrity co-owners Patrick and Brittany Mahomes and CPKC Stadium bring value to the Kansas City Current. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
A stadium is not just a vanity project, it’s a value driver. The goal is to turn the team revenue positive as quickly as possible. However, there is a caveat. It only works if the real estate math makes sense in that specific market. Kansas City? Cheap land, no competition, big payoff for the local Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium. New York City? Not so much.
Still, across the sports landscape, owners are willing to spend not only to build stadiums but also entertainment districts around them and arenas that boast restaurants, bars, retail stores, apartments and hotels. These districts expand the reach, impact and opportunity for the stadiums, which can then be used as venues for other events such as concerts, fairs or festivals, generating additional revenue. It also gives owners access to valuable consumer data.
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An example of this, again, is Kansas City as the team announced in March that it will build a $1 billion project around the stadium that includes mixed-use housing, retail space and public spaces on the waterfront.
Not successful on the pitch? Not a deal-breaker
While valuing a sports franchise, bankers examine not only the sports organization’s ability to maximize its tangible assets but also evaluate the team’s brand value, including winning championships or attracting marquee players. While this rule applies to most established European sports organizations, in the United States, on-field success does not matter as much. The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world at $10.1 billion, according to Forbes’ annual list of most valuable sports teams. They last won the Super Bowl in 1996.
Across the Atlantic, where women’s clubs are mostly bundled with the men’s side and where there is a risk of relegation, valuations get trickier.
Chelsea untangled its women’s side and sold it to another intra-group company, Blueco 22 Properties Limited, in 2022-23 at a £200 million valuation. The most successful women’s soccer team in England certainly shows on-pitch success, most recently capturing a treble of trophies with the Women’s Super League, League Cup and FA Cup titles. However, financially, it has not been easy to calculate what it can bring to the balance sheet.
But brand value is brand value, and Chelsea has that.
Alexis Ohanian bought an 8 percent stake in Chelsea Women in May. (Justin Tallis / AFP via Getty Images)
Since Behdad Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital and prominent investor Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022, the men’s side has not won anything, but it is still the world’s 10th most valuable club at $3.5 billion, according to Sportico.
“The odds are much greater that the New York Yankees will be here in 100 years than Apple will be here in 100 years,” Galatioto said.
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No wonder so many venture capitalists are buying sports properties.
“They’re a little late. I’ve been preaching this for 30 years,” Galatioto said. “Nobody listened for the first 20, but they finally caught on.”
Expansion fees aren’t team valuations
When it comes to valuations, much of the confusion stems from people mistaking expansion fees for what a team is actually worth. An expansion fee is not the valuation of the team, it’s just the price of entry. While the expansion fee plays a small role in the valuation, what really matters is what you build after you’re in. How do you convert your investment into a team with a loyal and (hopefully) global fan base, secure sponsorship deals and have the infrastructure to support both?
Denver paid $110 million in expansion fees but committed to building a soccer-specific stadium and a high-end training facility, thinking long term and aiming for a valuable franchise in a decade from now. The Current, which joined the NWSL in 2021, paid a $5 million expansion fee when it relocated from Utah in 2020. And after four seasons, the team is worth $182 million, up 141 percent from the year before, because it opened its stadium and has the highest revenue in the league ($36.3 million), according to Sportico’s valuations.
“Not all franchises are created equal,” Badenhausen said. “Certain franchises in the NWSL have struggled to maximize their business opportunities, which is no different than any young sports league, and the same dynamics play out in mature sports leagues, such as the Athletics and Rays in baseball over the past decade or Arizona’s NHL franchise.”
Small clubs + big stars = No problem
When valuing a sports team, star power isn’t just a footnote, it is a multiplier. Celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Portman, Serena Williams and Alex Morgan don’t just bring capital: they bring media attention, sponsorship opportunities and built-in global audiences.
Their involvement generates headlines, draws fans who might never have cared about the sport and opens doors to partnerships traditional owners don’t have access to. Star power can elevate a team’s valuation beyond the balance sheet because fame, when leveraged well, turns attention into revenue.
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Is $1 billion valuation around the corner?
That’s the million, sorry, billion-dollar question.
The real value of a women’s soccer team today is a cocktail of the right market, real estate value, brand potential and celebrity influence. Of course, star talent that brings eyeballs and social media followers isn’t bad, either. Revenue multiples are useful, but they can’t tell the whole story because the story is still being written.
Since Michele Kang reset the bar in NWSL by paying $35 million for the Washington Spirit, women’s soccer has bolstered growing momentum with no sign of slowing down. Following Kang’s (at the time) record-breaking investment, NWSL’s team sales and franchise fees skyrocketed by double digits and, most recently, to triple digits.
Michele Kang set the wheels in motion for exponential growth when she purchased the Washington Spirit. (James A. Pittman / Imagn Images)
Investors are not hesitating to open their checkbooks, and early investors are happy their bet on the league is paying back. Last year, Ron Burkle sold the San Diego Wave for $120 million to the Levine Leichtman family. Burkle paid a $2 million expansion fee for the Wave to join the NWSL for the 2022 season, similar to Angel City FC, which sold for $250 million to journalist Willow Bay and her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger.
With the right investors and operators, a path to a billion-dollar valuation seems plausible.
“I don’t think it’s out of the question by any means,” one banker, who wished to remain anonymous because they are actively working on deals in women’s soccer, told me. “It will take time, investment, and execution from strong operators and investors, but I think there’s certainly a pathway there.”
As Galatioto puts it, sometimes all it takes is one billionaire who wants it badly enough.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Athletics has announced the induction of Nick McDevitt and Sarah Gentry into the 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame. The pair will be honored during a formal induction ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, as part of the University’s Homecoming celebration.
Nick McDevitt (Men’s Basketball | 1997–2018)
Nick McDevitt devoted more than two decades to the UNC Asheville men’s basketball program, serving the Bulldogs with distinction as a student-athlete, assistant coach, associate head coach, and head coach from 1997 to 2018.
McDevitt was a four-year letterman for the Bulldogs and was a member of Asheville’s 1998 Big South regular-season championship team during his freshman campaign. He emerged as a key contributor during his senior season, helping guide the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in the conference standings.
Following his graduation in 2001, McDevitt immediately joined the coaching staff under legendary head coach Eddie Biedenbach. Over 12 seasons as an assistant coach, including his final two as associate head coach, McDevitt helped lead Asheville to three Big South Tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs recorded Opening Round victories in the NCAA Tournament in both 2003 and 2011, captured three Big South regular-season titles, and advanced to the 2008 National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
McDevitt succeeded Biedenbach as head coach in 2013 and continued the program’s tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs won the 2016 Big South Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced eventual national champion Villanova. Asheville also secured Big South regular-season titles in 2017 and 2018, earning postseason appearances both years.
McDevitt was named Big South Coach of the Year in 2017, and during his final three seasons at the helm, the Bulldogs won at least 21 games each year and advanced to postseason play annually. Asheville compiled a 66–35 record during that stretch. McDevitt departed UNC Asheville in April 2018 to become the head coach at Middle Tennessee State.
“Nick McDevitt represents everything we strive for at UNC Asheville — loyalty, leadership, and a commitment to excellence,” said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. “His impact on our men’s basketball program spans generations, and his legacy is deeply woven into the success and identity of Bulldog Basketball.”
Sarah Gentry (Track & Field | 2009–2013)
Sarah Gentry enjoyed one of the most accomplished track and field careers in UNC Asheville history. A six-time Big South Conference champion, Gentry excelled in middle-distance events throughout her Bulldog tenure.
She captured Big South titles in the 800 meters twice during the indoor season and twice during the outdoor season. Gentry was also a member of two championship relay teams, winning conference titles as part of the outdoor 1500-meter relay and the indoor distance medley relay (800-meter leg).
Gentry concluded her career with four school records, two of which still stand more than a decade after her graduation — the indoor and outdoor 800-meter records. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named the 2013 UNC Asheville Female Athlete of the Year. Sarah excelled in the classroom, graduating Cum Laude with Honors and DIstinction in International Studies.
“Sarah is one of the most decorated and impactful student-athletes our track and field program has ever seen,” said Cone. “Her competitive drive, consistency, and record-setting performances set a standard that continues to inspire our current and future student-athletes. Her success went beyond the podium, as she represented UNC Asheville with class, determination, and excellence, and her lasting records speak to just how special her career truly was.”
Since graduating from UNC Asheville, Sarah earned her M.B.A. degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and presently works for Microsoft as a Process Program Manager.
The 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, during Homecoming weekend in the Blue Ridge Room in the Highsmith Student Union.
Kristian Titriyski isn’t the kind of person to dwell on things in the past.
The 6-foot-8 sophomore outside hitter from Sofia, Bulgaria, burst onto the scene last season with immense talent that was evident from the very first swing he took that seemed to explode out of his hand.
In 23 matches, Titriyski led Hawaii averaging 4.24 kills per set and hit .325 with 34 aces.
The Rainbow Warriors were 22-3 when Titriyski went down with an injury in the second of back-to-back matches at Cal State Northridge.
Hawaii went 5-3 the rest of the season with Titriyski unable to return. He thought he was ready to play in Hawaii’s national semifinal match against UCLA but ultimately couldn’t go. The news then got a lot worse when he returned home.
“When I went back to Bulgaria around June, I found out that I had two fractures in my ankle, so I had to have surgery and missed the whole summer,” Titriyski said. “I’ve just been trying to get back in shape and I’m good now and really I just want to look forward and be happy I am back playing.”
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Upon returning to Hawaii, Titiryski joked his first thought was wanting to go back home. Now that he’s back in the daily grind of playing for the University of Hawaii, all he is thinking about is stepping on the court tonight in the Rainbow Warriors’ season opener against New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
“I’m just excited to play and really, I feel super motivated right now,” Titriyski said. “I just can’t wait for the first game.”
Hawaii coach Charlie Wade said the best position battle has been on the right side between Titriyski and Kainoa Wade, who benefited from a summer playing with the United States’ U21 team.
At full strength, Titriyski is one of the top players in the country and as good a hitter as there is.
“Kristian has been pushed by Kainoa now,” Wade said. “Kainoa is coming in playing at a really high level and you can tell Kristian is like, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get going here because this guy is coming.’ They are really the only two that can play at that level at that position and it’s been fun to watch.”
The injury meant Titriyski could only watch from the side as Hawaii came up short in the NCAA Tournament against UCLA.
He then had to go home and watch his national team compete without him on the floor.
It was an emptiness that Titriyski hopes to fill this year with a national championship.
“We all know how good we are. We don’t only have the six guys who are on the court, but we have 19 guys that are all pretty good and talented and motivated to play,” Titriyski said. “I would say what we lacked last year was consistency against lower level teams where we thought it would be an easy win and sometimes it happened and things would turn around against us. Our plan is to be more consistent with those teams and looking forward, we’ve got to be our very best every single day.”
There isn’t a player on the team more intense on the court than Titriyski, who at times can get heated.
Minutes into Monday’s practice, he was already yelling at a teammate during the first drill.
That competitiveness is what makes Titriyski a unique player. It’s also what makes him an intimidating presence for opposing teams.
“I just love to play the game,” Titriyski said. “And I want to win. I want to win for the fans here. I was watching our national team get second this summer at the world championship and our crowd here is way more into the games. Even if we’re winning or losing, it doesn’t matter. They are always supporting the team. All of that love that you get affects you in a positive way and I know I am, and we all are, so grateful for that.”
KRISTIAN TITRIYSKI
6-foot-8, Soph., Opposite
AVCA All-America second team; All-Big West first team
The AL.com high school volleyball all state team features the top players in each class.
AHSAA state champions were Class 7A McGill-Toolen, Class 6A Spanish Fort, Class 5A Guntersville, Class 4A Cherokee County, Class 3A Mobile Christian, Class 2A Pleasant Valley and Class 1A Addison while Southern Academy and Macon East won AISA titles.
The volleyball all-state team was compiled by the AL.com high school sports staff with input from coaches.
AL.com named Player of the Year, Attacker MVP, Setter MVP, Defensive MVP and Coach of the Year. Award winners are listed separately, but considered first-team selections.
AL.COM ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
McGill-Toolen celebrates the title win against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Maddy Henderson, Thompson, 6-0, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Maggie Jae Marsh, Austin, 5-8, Jr., Setter
Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, 6-1, Sr., Outside Hitter
MK Whitehurst, Bayside Academy, 5-3, Sr., Libero
Mya Lacey, Bob Jones, 5-10, Sr., Right Side/Setter
Payton McClarren, McGill-Toolen, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Sydnie Broom, Hoover, 6-1, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
McGill-Toolen’s Alice Wood serves against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Alice Wood, McGill-Toolen
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Ella Lomax, Daphne
5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Kenzly Foote, Thompson
5-7, Sr., Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Bennett Boulo, St. Paul’s
5-10, Sr., Setter/Right Side
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kate Wood, McGill-Toolen
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kayleigh Kinser, Auburn, So.; Arden Breedlove, Austin, Sr.; Reese Wolfe, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.; Caroline Whitehurst, Oak Mountain, Sr.; Amari Woods, Austin, Jr.; Ella Watts, Bob Jones, So.; Brooke Reeves, Grissom, Sr.; Aliyah Pooler, Hoover, Sr.; Marissa Smith, St. Paul’s, Fr.; Julia Celani, James Clemens, So. ; Kyra Willis, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr.; Ella Brown, Dothan, Jr.; Claire Ogden, Vestavia Hills, Sr.; Jaedyn Lang, McGill-Toolen, Sr.; Anna Grace Chason, Daphne, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Emani Green, James Clemens, Sr. ; Cheyenne Conner, Hoover, Sr.; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills, Jr.; Addy Busby, Fairhope, Jr.; Kendall Dougherty, St. Paul’s, Sr.; Reese Colbert, Dothan, Jr.
Spanish Fort celebrates a championship after a win over Hazel Green at the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 6A
Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea, 6-1, Jr., Outside Hitter
Avery Warren, Northridge, 5-9, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Aylah Duvall, Hazel Green, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Bea Wiggins, Spain Park, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
Morgan Springer, Montgomery Academy, 5-9, Jr., Middle
Sullivan Lell, Mountain Brook, 5-4, Jr., Libero
Victoria Holley, Spanish Fort, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Zoẽ Beech, Spanish Fort, 5-11, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Spanish Fort’s Cailyn Boykin sets the ball against Hazel Green during the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Guntersville celebrates the title win during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Kaylin Corley, Saint James School, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Laklin Shadix, West Point, 6-0, Jr., Outside Hitter
Layla Hendrix, Arab, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Marion Haskell, John Carroll, 6-1, Sr., Right Side
Noelle Suellentrop, Briarwood, 5-11, So., Setter
Sydney Jarmon, Guntersville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sydney Johnston, Saint James School, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Virginia Townsend, Providence Christian, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter
Zoe Jones, Montevallo, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Guntersville’s Mary George Vandergriff sets the ball against Montgomery Catholic during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Mary George Vandergriff, Guntersville
5-8, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Julie Roberts, Briarwood
5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter/Right Side
DEFENSIVE MVP
Bri McCulloch, Russellville
5-5, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
Zaria Rudolph, Montgomery Catholic
5-8, So., Middle/Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Melissa-Paul Gardner, Guntersville
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kailyn Redding, Fairview, Jr.; Kit Quinlivan, Headland, Sr.; Aliyah Hollingsworth, Boaz, Jr.; Makenzie Irmen, Brewer, Sr.; Brooklyn McIlwain, Faith Academy, Sr.; LaraAnne Norwood, Lawrence County, So.; Kierstyn Green, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.; Laila Hill, Russellville, Sr.; Abigail Mullens, St. Clair County, Jr.; Micaiah Shelton, Trinity, Fr.; Skylar Courtney, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Leighton Hendley, Briarwood, So.; Helen Morrison, Briarwood, Fr ; Mady Kirkpatrick, John Carroll, Sr.; Kiley Jenkins, Headland, Sr.; Chandler Thomas, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Lucy Logsdon, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.
Setter: Josie Childress, Priceville, Sr.; Wendy McGehee, Shelby County, Sr.; Adleigh Borgognoni, St. Clair County, Sr.; Patton Fell, West Point, Sr.; Isabella Marino, John Carroll, Sr.; Millie Lackey, Arab, Jr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Kayden Gronczniak, Arab, Sr.; Alley Emerson, Brewer, So.; Caroline Canady, Guntersville, Sr.; Abigayle Hilyer, Jemison, Sr.; Reagan Smith, Lawrence County, Jr.; Lauren Bailey, Providence Christian, Sr.; Lilly Smith, Trinity, So.; Charli Aris, West Point, Sr.
Cherokee County celebrates a championship during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship against Prattville Christian at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 4A
Addilyn Gustafson, Madison County, 5-8, Sr., Setter
Cherokee County’s Macy Lea sets the ball against Prattville Christian during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Macy Lea, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Nevaeh Gaidurgis, Cherokee County
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Ellisan Givens, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baylee Rogers, Prattville Christian
5-8, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tiffany Rieger, Cherokee County
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ava Haygood, Cherokee County, Jr.; Lydia Northam, Ashville, Sr.; Emma Guffey, DAR, So.; Isabelle Sutton, Madison Academy, Sr.; Rhyan Holloway, St. John Paul II, Sr.; Sydney Wallace, New Hope, Sr.; Olivia Poarch, Wilson, So.; Emeri Thompson, Central-Florence, Sr.; Jaxson Bruce, Plainview, Jr.
Middle: Kylie Jeffers, Alexandria, Sr.; Jolie Alexander, Cherokee County, So.; Izzy Fearnside, Madison County, Jr.; Adyson Brown, Curry, Sr.; Leah Cate Wilson, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Raygen Muse, West Morgan, Jr.
Setter: Makyala Willingham, Deshler, Sr.; Jada Gray, Plainview, So.; Ryleigh Cochran, Ashville, Jr.; Sarah Bacon, Madison Academy, So.; Ella Bilbo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Jayce Page, Curry, Sr.; Carly Hensley, Danville, Sr.; Caylen Williams, Fayette County, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Isabella Grant, St. John Paul II, Jr.; Kendal Scogin, Deshler, Jr.; Charlie Richey, Plainview, Sr.; Mckenna Jackson, Danville, Sr.; Ava Hodo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Morgan Fowler, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Anna Neal, Central-Florence, Sr.; Paige Bradshaw, Madison County, Fr.
Mobile Christian celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
CLASS 3A
Adeline Dickerson, Lauderdale County, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Alanah Fitch, Ohatchee, 5-4, Sr., Outside Hitter
Alexis Scott, Mobile Christian, 5-6, Sr., Outside Hitter
Amelia Smith, St. Luke’s, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
Ann Davis Sinquefield, Houston Academy, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sunjia King-Davis, Lauderdale County, 5-9, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mobile Christian’s Haley Eldridge serves during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Haley Eldridge, Mobile Christian
5-6, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian
6-1, Jr., Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Melissa Patel, Mobile Christian
5-5, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baker Garside, St. Luke’s
5-6, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mallory Boyington, Mobile Christian
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kate Williamon, Donoho, Sr.; Ava Michales, Donoho, Sr.; Karlie Baker, Geraldine, Jr.; Amiyah Thomas, Piedmont, Jr.; Libby King, Westbrook Chrisitan, Jr.; Shannon Alvord, Northside Methodist, Jr.; Emma Underwood, Elkmont, Sr.; Emery Owens, Lauderdale County, Sr.
Middle: Madalynn Moody, Glenwood, Sr.; Avery Dunnam, Lee-Scott, Sr.; Addison Holcomb, Vinemont, Sr.; Millie Wilson, St. Luke’s, Jr.
Pleasant Valley celebrates a championship after a win over Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 2A
Alayna Tate, Belgreen, 5-5, Sr., Setter
Ella Estave, Covenant Christian, 5-5, Sr., Libero
Ella Parris, Pleasant Valley, 5-8, Sr., MB/DS
Ellie Patterson, Pleasant Valley, 5-11, Jr., Middle
Pleasant Valley’s Elise Wheeler serves against Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Elise Wheeler, Pleasant Valley
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Lynleigh Cobb, Winston County
5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Madison Schwabe, Pleasant Valley
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Kate James, Mars Hill Bible
5-8, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jennifer Mann, Pleasant Valley
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ella Williams, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr.; Kaylie Joseph, G.W. Long, Sr.; Paitlyn Hughes, Sand Rock, Jr.; Carly Cason, Tharptown, So.; Jaylee Calloway, Winston County, Sr.; Alice Morrison, Lindsay Lane, Jr.
Middle: Carson Hovater, Belgreen, Sr.; Haylan Crook, Mars Hill Bible, So.; Caitlyn Lynch, Sand Rock, Sr.; Raina Gunter, Washington County, Sr.
Setter: Rylie Walker, Cedar Bluff, Sr.; Saydee Coan, Covenant Christian, So.; Rose Garner, Decatur Heritage, Jr.; Tippy Ridge, Washington County, So.; Kaylee Norton, Faith Christian, Fr.
Addison celebrates a state championship during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship against Meek at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Lola Dixon, University Charter, 5-6, Jr., Right Side/Setter
Marley Kilcrease, Brantley, 5-5, Jr., Setter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Addison’s Ava Bartlett was selected MVP during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Ava Bartlett, Addison
5-11, Jr., Middle
ATTACKER MVP
Annie Ricard, Faith Christian
5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Molli Sandlin, Meek
4-11, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
AnnaBeth Powell, Addison
5-9, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Sadie Hall, Addison
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Shakira Holcombe, Millry, Jr.; Chloe Bush, Pleasant Home, So.; Izzi Hunter, Pleasant Home, So.; Alana Jones, Billingsley, Sr.; Savannah Thrower, Fayetteville, Sr.; Vera Aderholt, Athens Bible, Fr.
Middle: Allyx Williamson, Kinston, Jr.; Kylee Smith, Marion County, 8.
Setter: Carmyn Daugherty, Meek, Sr.; Kendall Wyatt, Addison, Sr.; Bekah Junkin, Marion County, So.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Anna Belle Collins, Meek, Sr.; Madelyn Egbert, University Charter, Jr.; Shelby Boice, Billingsley, Jr.
It was only two years ago that Louis Sakanoko rushed to Hawaii from his home country of France just days before the start of the 2024 season.
It was quite a culture shock for the 6-foot-5 outside hitter, who struggled to speak English.
One thing he brought with him that has never gone away is his smile. His outgoing personality, and his love for life and volleyball, are evident every time he steps on the floor. It is why in just a short amount of time, in a place far away from home, Sakanoko has quickly become a fan favorite.
“I love it here so much,” Sakanoko said. “I stayed here all summer, and so I discovered a little more of all of the islands and it’s just an amazing place. And I’m so much more comfortable here than I was last year, so everything is all great.”
On a team loaded with talent at the pins, Sakanoko has managed to hold onto his spot as a starter. He started 21 matches last season and hit .259 while averaging 2.39 kills per set.
The practice gym has changed a lot since Sakanoko first got here.
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He’s one of only five players who have been with the team for more than two years.
“It is weird that it’s my third year now, but honestly it feels good,” Sakanoko said. “We have almost the same team as last year, and so it’s nice to have the same energy and the same team spirit and have this work ethic that I think everyone has now.”
Sakanoko is a big part of that team spirit. He was one of the first players in the gym for afternoon practice on Monday, and with that same smile, walked up and shook hands with all of the reporters gathered for a media session.
When asked how he manages to stay so happy, Sakanoko kept it simple.
“How can you not be (happy) in Hawaii?” he responded. “The people here are special, for sure, and the atmosphere is just so different. Like, it’s Christmas, and people are walking around in T-shirts. You can still surf. It’s the best place.”
The Rainbow Warriors are ranked No. 2 in the country to start the season and have a real shot at returning to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Sakanoko gutted his way through the end of the season last year despite getting hurt right before the UCLA match.
The way that season ended has made preparation for this year feel a little different.
“We always want to win a championship,” Sakanoko said. “I got injured before the semi and Kristian got hurt earlier and so we felt like we had it taken away from us a little. We gained some experience from that, but we all want to win a championship this year. I definitely feel like this could be our year.”
Sakanoko famously tied a UH record with nine aces in just his second match as a Rainbow Warrior.
He is one of five returning players who had at least 20 aces a season ago.
As Hawaii prepares to start the season tonight hosting New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Sakanoko isn’t worried about the quick turnaround from the holiday break.
Practices with such a deep and talented team can at times seem a lot tougher than the actual matches.
“It’s funny, because when you come back from Christmas, you maybe haven’t played for a week or two and so maybe you think you’re a little slow, but you can’t be in these practices,” Sakanoko said. “Every single day in here is like a fight. You have to fight your way if you want to be on the court the next weekend. I think that’s why we’re so good. We have so many players that can push you, and that’s been that way ever since I got here.”
Sakanoko doesn’t think he’s changed much in his time at UH, but his attitude on the practice floor has been noticed by teammates.
Setter Tread Rosenthal, the only other third-year starter, singled out Sakanoko’s growth as a leader as one of the things to be excited about for this season.
“I think Louis has gotten much more mature and literally, this year, has taken a big step off the court of being more mature and more focused on what we need to do to be the best at the end of the year,” Rosenthal said.
Isabelle Hoppe, like most everybody else in the volleyball world, had heard the rumors. But it wasn’t until the end that she thought how it might impact her life.
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball 2025 season in photos
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) serves against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) is greeted by fans after taking the floor prior to a match against Southern California at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin defenders jump to block a spike by Kansas outside hitter Jovana Zelenovic (9) on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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The Wisconsin student section reacts after Wisconsin wins the third set against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball for a spike against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wiss.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan, left, and middle blocker Carter Booth, right, go up for a block against UC-Davis Sept. 4.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) and Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) yell after a block to win the first set against Purdue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) elevates to contest a ball at the net against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the match against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) high-fives kids lined up before playing UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) hits the floor after saving the ball from touching the ground against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) helps setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) off the floor after losing a point to Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield huddles with his senior players following the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) watches as the ball flies in the air before a serve against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) goes up for a spike against UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players react after a Minnesota touch goes out of bounds on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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The Wisconsin bench celebrates after a point against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) attempts to spike over three Iowa defenders on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Allick (5) yells after a block on Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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A young fan smiles after getting a high-five from a Wisconsin player during introductions against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Una Vajagic (1) dives for a ball flying out of bounds against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the teamÕs non-conference match against Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) blocks a spike against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) emerges from the locker room before playing Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin right side hitter Addy Horner (2) and Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) collide trying to set the ball against Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) extends to hit a ball going out of bounds against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) and right side hitter Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) put up a block against Indiana outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) in the first set of a match at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) lines up a bump after a return by Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) reacts after a point against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players, including Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew, left, and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon (7) celebrate the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
