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Boys Volleyball Top 20, May 30: New team enters the rankings before state playoffs

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It was another action-packed week of ranked matchups as the top teams in the state continue to battle.

The state sectional tournaments began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday with most first-round matchups taking place.

Below, check out the latest Top 20 rankings from this past week as the tournaments begin to heat up.

1-Old Bridge (28-1)

Last week: No. 1

The Knights cruised in the first round of the South, Group 4 tournament. Old Bridge looks primed and ready to make another deep run in states. This comes after securing the GMC title once again.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters

2-Southern (26-1)

Last week: No. 2

Southern is in Group 3 and the favorite to come away with a sectional title. The Rams won their 20th game in a row in the first round against Long Branch.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG3 Quarters vs. Howell

3-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (24-4)

Last week: No. 3

The Raiders snapped a short two-game skid with a win over Don Bosco in the first round of the North, Group 3 tournament. Scotch Plains-Fanwood began its title defense with a victory and will now advance to the quarters.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG3 Quarters vs. Belleville

4-Monroe (21-7)

Last week: No. 4

Monroe continues to roll with its last two wins coming in two sets. The Falcons have now won 15 out of 17 games, with the two losses coming against the top two teams in the state.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters vs. Piscataway

5-St. Joseph (Met.) (23-5)

Last week: No. 5

St. Joseph has started its quest for a third consecutive sectional title. The Falcons took down Manchester Township in three sets to win its fourth game in a row.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG2 Quarter vs. St. Augustine

6-Harrison (26-2)

Last week: No. 6

Harrison is among the hottest teams in the state entering states. The Blue Tide entered as the top seed in North, Group 1 after a run to the Hudson County title. Harrison began its run with a victory against Becton.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG1 Quarters vs. Glen Ridge

7-St. John Vianney (20-2)

Last week: No. 7

The Lancers reached 20 wins on the season after taking down Newark Vocational in the first round of the South, Group 1 tournament. St. John Vianney is the two-time defending champion in the section.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG1 Quarters

8-Holmdel (21-3)

Last week: No. 8

Holmdel got back in the win column on Thursday afternoon. The Hornets recovered from a semifinal loss in the Shore Conference Tournament to defeat Lacey in two sets in the sectional tournament.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG2 Quarters

9-Hillsborough (24-4)

Last week: No. 9

Hillsborough made it 23 wins in a row after taking down Cherokee in two sets in the opening round of the South, Group 4 tournament. The Raiders have what it takes to continue on deep into the postseason.

Up next: 6/2 – SJG4 Quarters vs. Lenape

10-Fair Lawn (22-6)

Last week: No. 10

Fair Lawn is a major contender in North, Group 3. It began its run in the tournament with a win in two sets against Iselin Kennedy.

Up next: 6/2 – NJG3 Quarters vs. Kearny

11-Barnegat (22-4)

Last week: No. 11

Barnegat finished the regular season with a win after defeating Toms River South, and won its first matchup in the postseason against Cinnaminson in the first round. Barnegat will now face Pleasantville in the quarterfinal round.

Up next: 6/2 vs Pleasantville

12-Kingsway (24-4)

Last week: No. 12

After winning the Tri-County Conference tournament a week ago, Kingsway has pushed its winning streak to five games following its first round victory over Hunterdon Central in the first round of the South Jersey, Group 4 tournament.

Up next: 6/2 vs Bridgewater-Raritan

13-West Caldwell Tech (21-6)

Last week: No. 13

West Caldwell Tech remains in the 13th spot after a consistent week resulted in a first round victory over North Arlington in the North Jersey Group 1 tournament. West Caldwell Tech is currently on a four game winning streak.

Up next: 6/2 vs Jefferson

14-Hudson Catholic (18-4)

Last week: No. 14

Hudson Catholic has lost three straight games, including the final round of the Hudson County Tournament, but it looks to get back on track as it will take on Thomas Edison Energy Charter in the first round of the state playoffs.

Up next: 5/30 vs Thomas Edison Energy Charter

15-Lenape (21-4)

Last week: No. 15

Lenape has won 11 consecutive games, and is coming into the state tournament as one of the hottest teams in the state. Lenape started its tournament run with a 2-0 victory over Eastern.

Up next: 6/2 at Hillsborough

16-Elizabeth (21-3)

Last week: No. 16

Elizabeth is the top seed in the North Jersey, Group 4 tournament, and finished the season on a three game winning streak before defeating Irvington, 2-0, in the first round.

Up next: 6/2 vs Demarest

17-Ramapo (18-2)

Last week: NR

Ramapo is in the rankings this week after finishing the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Ramapo also took down Hillside in the first round of the North Jersey, Group 2 tournament, and has a ton of momentum as it makes its postseason run.

Up next: 6/2 vs Payne Tech

18-Hackensack (26-2)

Last week: No. 18

Hackensack suffered its first two losses of the season in back-to-back games, and since, has gone 4-0 including a first round victory over Middletown South.

Up next: 6/2 vs Watchung Hills

19-Marlboro (19-6)

Last week: No. 17

Marlboro lost to Southern in the final round of the Shore Conference tournament, and is looking to get back in the win column when it faces Colts Neck in the first round on Friday.

Up next: 5/30 vs Colts Neck

20-Passaic Tech (18-6)

Last week: No. 20

Passaic Tech went 3-1 in the final four games of the regular season, and it picked up a first round win against Plainfield in the North Jersey, Group 4 tournament.

Up next: 6/2 vs North Bergen

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Greg Patuto can be reached at gpatuto@njadvancemedia.com.





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Tritons Start North American Challenge 2-0

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LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball won both of its matches on Friday during day one of the North American Challenge. The two exhibition contests were played against Canadian schools Calgary and Alberta.
 
The Tritons beat Calgary 3-2 before immediately turning around and sweeping Alberta 3-0. Head coach Brad Rostratter largely used two different squads for the two contests. Only Ethan Hornyak and Tyler Stewart played in both matches, with both coming off the bench in the second exhibition.
 
Long Beach State is the host for all matches this weekend. The challenge resumes on Sunday at the Gold Mine on Long Beach State’s campus.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – CALGARY
UC San Diego won set one with Calgary 25-17 before the Dinos took sets two and three by scores of 26-24 and 25-16. The Tritons then came back to win set four 25-23 and set five 15-12.
 
Luke Chandler led the Tritons with 18 kills, hitting .324 in the match. Aidan Powell added 13 kills and tied the team-high digs mark with eight. John Luers also had eight digs and powered the offense with 45 assists.
 
As a team the Tritons hit .259 and had 10 aces. Their nine total blocks helped hold Calgary to a .217 hitting percentage.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – ALBERTA
The Alberta match saw the Tritons cruise to a 25-14 win in set one. Set two was much closer, with UC San Diego coming out on top after a 25-23 frame. Set three was then another comfortable scoreline as the Tritons won 25-12 to complete the sweep.
 
A stifling defensive effort saw the Tritons hold Alberta to a -0.111 hitting percentage. UC San Diego hit .271, adding six aces. Leo Pravednikov and Sebastiano Sani both registered solo blocks as the Tritons finished with eight total.
 
Sani was the team’s top offensive performer with 11 kills and a percentage of .368. Josh Ewert hit .263, adding eight kills and a team-high three aces. Cameron Wurl orchestrated the attack with 25 assists. He also had a team-high six digs.
 
UP NEXT
The Tritons will return to Long Beach State on Sunday to face the same two teams in the Tritons’ final exhibition matches ahead of the 2026 regular season. UC San Diego will first battle Alberta at 12:30 p.m. before squaring off with Calgary at 3:00 p.m. Live stats will be available HERE.
 
The Tritons open the regular season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7:00 p.m.
 
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
 



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All-Area volleyball teams announced for 2025 | Sports

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Introducing the All-Area volleyball teams from the Cannon Falls Beacon and Republican Eagle. 

Alec Hamilton, community editor for the Beacon, and Martin Schlegel, sports editor for the Eagle, cooperated to put together two teams from their respective schools: Cannon Falls, Randolph, Red Wing, Goodhue and Lake City.

The head coaches were able to nominate up to three players for Player of the Year in addition to their nominations for all-area. Statistics and accomplishments were taken into account when forming all-area teams. Coaches’ votes and overall honors were used in naming a Player of the Year.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Izzy Guetzlaff (Senior, Red Wing, middle blocker)

Big 9 All-Conference, MSHSL Academic Award.

2025 Stats: 201 kills, 71 digs, 15 ace serves, 65 blocks.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “Izzy Guetzlaff is a steady force and presence the Wingers rely on. Her consistent level of play with her kills and blocks spark momentum during their games. She is a player you look to when you need a side-out through moments of adversity and someone who carries the team effortlessly.”

Claire Meyers (Sophomore, Cannon Falls, outside hitter)

HVL All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 275 kills (led the team), 3.2 kills per set, 35.4% kill, 275 digs, 304 receptions (3.5 per set), 46 ace serves, 90.3% serving, 17 blocks.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Claire is a gifted, athletic player who embraced a major new challenge this season and made an immediate impact. In her first two years on varsity she played as a middle attacker with limited back-row responsibility. This year, we moved her to the outside and into a middle-back defensive role. She welcomed the transition and quickly became a force at the net and a gritty, reliable defender in the backcourt. Claire stays calm under pressure and gives her best at all times.”







Izzie Reynolds.JPG

Senior Izzie Reynolds. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Annie Reinitz (Senior, Red Wing, setter)

Republican Eagle/Cannon Falls Beacon Player of the Year, Big 9 All-Conference, MSHSL Academic Award, two-year team captain.

2025 Stats: 804 assists, 60 kills, 201 digs, 11 ace serves, 2 blocks.

Career Stats: 1,698 assists, 166 kills, 495 digs, 38 ace serves.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “For the past couple years, Annie Reinitz has been the floor general of Winger Volleyball. With grit, intelligence, and unwavering confidence, she has led her team through every moment — leaving a legacy of leadership, maturity, and excellence.”

Izzie Reynolds (Senior, Randolph, left side outside hitter/right side setter)

Gopher All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 161 kills, 219 assists, 179 digs, 43 ace serves.

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Izzie is a student of the game. She is always watching film and looking for ways to grow as an athlete. She loves the game and she is very competitive.”







Libby Sampson.JPG

Sophomore Libby Sampson. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Libby Sampson (Sophomore, Cannon Falls, setter)

HVL All-Conference, surpassed 1,000 career assists (currently at 1,149), team captain.

2025 Stats: 653 assists, 74 kills (0.9 per set), 227 digs, 46 ace serves, 95.5% serving, 29 blocks.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Libby embodies everything you want in a setter. She is knowledgeable, consistent and a calm, confident leader with beautifully skilled hands. She worked hard to build strong connections with all of her hitters so she could meet their individual needs and put them in the best position to score. Libby plays hard for her teammates, is always striving to improve and brings a smile to the court every time she steps on it.”

Katie Tipton (Junior, Cannon Falls, libero)

HVL All-Conference, 1,000+ career digs, sixth in the state in digs last season according to MaxPreps, team captain. 

2025 Stats: 508 digs (5.8 digs per set), 42 assists, 617 receptions (7.4 per set), 2.14 pass rating, 22 ace serves, 93.9% serving.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “Katie was arguably one of the strongest liberos in the state. She was instrumental in sustaining long rallies, covering a tremendous amount of court with confidence and consistency. Katie brings excellent ball control, an unwavering work ethic and a big heart to everything she does. She continues to sharpen her game and elevate her leadership—not only through her skills, but through her communication and defensive direction. Katie is someone you can always depend on.”







Katie Tipton.JPG

Junior Katie Tipton. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Shelby Vogel (Senior, Goodhue, middle blocker)

HVL All-Conference, team MVP, team captain.

2025 Stats: 292 kills, 41 assists, 311 digs, 39 ace serves, 57 blocks.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Shelby is a great leader on and off the court. She not only led the team in kills, but also on digs and this is what makes her a great six-position player. She will be greatly missed next season.”

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Ashlee Barton (Junior, Goodhue, outside hitter)

HVL All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 118 kills, 252 digs, 6 assists, 27 ace serves, 13 blocks.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Ashlee showed great strength on the outside this year and has a great read on playing defense in the back row. I look forward to seeing her leadership out on the court next season.”

Hadley Cooreman (Senior, Randolph, middle front/right front)







Hadley Cooreman.JPG

Senior Hadley Cooreman. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Gopher All-Conference, Gopher Conference Sportsmanship Award, team captain.

2025 Stats: 122 kills, 25 digs, 44 blocks.

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Hadley leads her teammates with kindness and perseverance. She stands out for her attacks and blocks in the front row. She is loved by everyone and absolutely shined as a varsity captain.”

Alexa Guetzlaff (Junior, Red Wing, outside hitter)

Big 9 All-Conference.

2025 Stats: 239 kills, 251 digs, 20 ace serves, 3 blocks.

From head coach Sydney Boutelle: “Alexa Guetzlaff has proven herself as a true six-rotation weapon — explosive at the net and in the backrow. Her competitiveness fueled the Wingers’ determination all season long. Alexa stepped into a leadership role with confidence as a returner. As we look ahead, we know she will continue to lead with the same drive and excellence as the seniors this year.”







Falon Hepola.JPG

Senior Falon Hepola. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Alli Helmin (Senior, Lake City, middle blocker)

HVL All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 198 kills, 27 blocks.

From head coach Katlyn Bade: “A dominant senior middle blocker whose presence at the net changed every match played.”

Falon Hepola (Senior, Cannon Falls, setter/opposite)

HVL All-Conference, Academic All-State, team captain.

2025 Stats: Injured most of the season. 138 assists (3.7 per set), 68 kills (1.8 per set), 79 digs, 24 ace serves, 92.9% serving.

From head coach Melissa Huseth: “This young lady is a true game changer. Her leadership, energy and talent propelled the Bombers through four successful seasons, including a state championship her freshman year. More importantly, she helped her teammates find confidence in themselves. I have genuinely enjoyed coaching Falon and watching her grow into a talented, fun, and caring young athlete. She has left a lasting, positive impact on Cannon Falls High School that extends far beyond her time on the volleyball court.”

Mackenzie Murray (Junior, Randolph, libero)







Mackenzie Murray.JPG

Junior Mackenzie Murray. Alec Hamilton / Cannon Falls Beacon


Gopher All-Conference Honorable Mention.

2025 Stats: 44 assists and 218 digs. 

From head coach Karli O’Reilly: “Mackenzie is hardworking and coachable. She is quick on her feet and dependable in the back row. She is responsible, reliable and well-liked by her teammates.”

Hazel Volkmann (Junior, Goodhue, setter)

2025 Stats: 477 assists, 5 kills, 191 digs, 39 ace serves.

From head coach Amber Lohman: “Hazel stepped up with confidence this year as one of the setters in our 6-2 offence. She worked hard at making plays happen and led the team in set assists. I look forward to her confidence and leadership on the court next season.”



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Blue Bell/TSWA Class 4A All-State Volleyball – The Gilmer Mirror

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LONGVIEW – Division I state champion Decatur landed the two top honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Stormi Snider, Decatur

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ava Green, Decatur
FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Keoni Williams, Eagle Mountain; Emma Pollard, Gatesville; Rebecca Lucksinger, Bellville

Outside hitters: Ava Green, Decatur; Elizabeth Corbitt, Spring Hill; Paisley Pavliska, La Vernia

Setter: Molly Aubert, Eagle Mountain

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Lexi Nichols, Eagle Mountain
SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Shaelyn Ward, Aubrey; Alyssa Potts, Lindale; Harper Smith, Decatur

Outside hitters: Libby Tedder, Springtown; Allegra Foreman, Stephenville; Avery Keck, La Vernia

Setter: Grace Fortune, Decatur

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Hannah Forshee, Sweeny
THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Sayler Peck, Decatur; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard; Giselle Webster, Kilgore

Outside hitters: Savannah Irwin, Spring Hill; Brooke Lacewell, Eagle Mountain; Belle Seibert, Sweeny

Setter: Bailey Hampton, Aubrey

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kaylee Londeau, Spring Hill
HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Janey Baker, China Spring; Addison Kramer, Lorena; Makenna Hertless, Floresville; Brooke Gisell, Lindale; Alli Bitter, Carthage; Elsie Law, Salado; Jadyn Lindgren, CC Calallen; Maggie Thompson, Sulphur Springs; Bella Elliott, Liberty; Jessa Cox, Cuero; Austyn Flowers, Seminole

Outside hitters: Charlee Mack, Hillsboro; Meredith Muramoto, China Spring; Julia Guidry, Bullard; Trinity Laney, Wimberley; Peighton Purser, Farmersville; Lilli Sandoval, Wimberley; Mazzy Johnson, Salado; Preslee Hardy, Sulphur Springs; Jordan Flodder, Van; Kayla White, Van; Addison Alexander, Canton; Kalia Andres, Bullard; Ella Hutchens, Lindale; Rainey Johnson, Sulphur Springs; Bryleigh Mayhan, Pine Tree

Setter: Carly Chadwick, Pine Tree; Elle Litchenburg, Kilgore; Caroline Cockerham, Carthage; Julia Garrick, Bullard; Caitlyn Gerick, China Spring; Stevie-Kate LaDuque, Stephenville; Charli Niu, Salado; Grace Martinez, CC Calallen; Harper Hodges, Sulphur Springs; Macy Luster, Lindale

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Emma Conley, Aubrey; Peyton Taylor, Sulphur Springs; Hope Escobar, Decatur; Brooklyn Quintanilla, Springtown; Karis Carpenter, La Vernia; Laney Alexander, Carthage



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Blue Bell/TSWA Class 3A All-State Volleyball – The Gilmer Mirror

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LONGVIEW – Division 1 champion Goliad and Division II champ Boyd took top honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

The state champs shared Coach of the Year and Player of the Year honors.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: (Tie) Jess Odem, Goliad; Clark Oberle, Boyd

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: (Tie) Addy Delgado, Boyd; Addison Yendry, Goliad
FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Natalie Ceniceros, Denver City; Addison Yendry, Goliad; Belle Nichter, Boyd

Outside hitters: Berklee Billington, Bushland; Addy Delgado, Boyd; Kamdyn Scott, Tatum

Setter: Isabel Sanchez, Goliad

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Ava Permenter, Bushland

SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Shiloh Sluder, Troup; Abby Little, Bells; Maevyn Wunsch, Goliad

Outside hitters: Madeline Holder, East Bernard; LeAnn Wise, Stockdale; Aubree Bunker, Friona

Setter: Taydem Barker, Tatum

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Bryleigh Wallace, Boyd

THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Hannah Haffner, West Rusk; Taliyah Davenport, Clifton; London Helm, Grandview

Outside hitters: Raely Sebek, Huntington; Laynee Adams, Bushland; Kennedy Simon, Ponder

Setter: Cami McIntire, Boyd

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Cadence Negron, Troy

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Brianna Tomerlin, Stockdale; Shae Collier, Troy; Madison Truitt, Eustace; Gaby Martinez, New Diana; Channing Barber, Hooks; Heidi Wheaton, Chisum; Madilynn Straight, Troy; Kameryn Thompson, Teague; Kyndal Selgelid, Rockdale; Morgan Adair, Peaster; Savannah Brackeen, Central Heights; Kamyah Lacy, West Rusk

Outside hitters: Kammi Maddox, Dalhart; Kaysen Foster, Tatum; Brystel Wise, Clifton; Addison Martin, Clifton; Mahayla McMahon, Mineola; Hannah Slater, Groesbeck; Kailyn Keeling, Lexington; Skylar Workman, Troy; Andee Bridges, White Oak; Harper Gerik, Columbus; Sophi Wallek, Goliad; Ella Grochoske, West

Setter: Myah Lichenberger, London; Madison Otter, Clifton; Zoe Dishman, Ponder; Ava Flowers, Leonard

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Karolynn Youngblood, Goliad; Caylie Neisner, Columbus

 



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Demon Deacons Land Amina N’Diaye, Add to Core of Hitters

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest volleyball team and head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer announced the signing of Amina N’Diaye on Saturday.

Having recently completed her first collegiate season at the University of Miami, N’Diaye will have three years of eligibility remaining upon joining the Demon Deacons’ roster for the 2026-27 school year. A native of Orlando, Fla., N’Diaye competes at the outside hitter position.

N’Diaye is Wake Forest’s third addition this offseason, as the program inked Andrea Roman and Catherine Burke during the month of December.

Amina N’Diaye | 6-1 | Outside Hitter | Orlando, Fla. | University of Miami

As a freshman for the nationally-ranked Hurricanes this past fall campaign, N’Diaye competed in 27 matches and 85 total sets played. She produced 139 kills (third on the roster), 78 digs and 31 blocks for the season. In seven different performances, N’Diaye tallied eight or more kills, as she also had multiple blocks 10 times. The hitter recorded double figures in kills on three occasions, including a season-high 12 versus Virginia Tech on Oct. 24. She impressed with a season-best four blocks on the road at then-No. 7 Louisville (Nov. 16). N’Diaye was also solid on the serving end, recording 24 service aces for the year with three showings of three-plus.

N’Diaye helped Miami wrap the season with an appearance in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament before earning a final national ranking of No. 16 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top-25 Coaches Poll.

During her high school days, N’Diaye was a volleyball standout at Lake Brantley High School, north of Orlando. She totaled over 1,000 kills en route to becoming the Patriots’ all-time leader in that area. N’Diaye was also named a two-time AAU All-American and participant of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) for four straight years from 2020-24.

Personal

Amina is the daughter of Nicole Delahoussaye and Mamadou N’Diaye, the latter being a retired NBA player and current assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at the University of Cincinnati. Amina also has two siblings – Adam and Laila.

From Coach Hulsmeyer

“I’m so happy about the chance to have Amina join us at Wake Forest. She has been a six-rotation outside who already has ACC experience in her first season at Miami recently. I have watched her develop over the last several years and believe in her potential and ability.”

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Utah State announces Keith Smith as new volleyball coach | Sports

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Utah State announced the hire of TCU assistant coach and Team USA developement coach Keith Smith its next head coach of women’s volleyball Saturday morning. After losing the highly successful Rob Neilson to BYU, the Aggies will turn to Smith to carry on the dominance of their volleyball program that has won five combined regular season and conference tournament titles and made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2021.

“I am grateful to Cameron Walker and the search committee for trusting me with the opportunity to continue Utah State volleyball’s rich history,” said Smith in a USU press release. “My goal is not to rebuild the program, but to retool it for long-term, sustainable success that keeps it on an upward trajectory.”

Smith has not served as a head coach at the college or national team level, though he brings a solid resume of recruiting, developement and coaching across his roles as an assistant coach with four different collegiate women’s volleyball programs and the USA National Development Program. At each of his stops across college teams, those programs had great success including 20+ win seasons, record recuiting classes, historic upsets and apperances (and wins) in the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, Smith was hired as an assistant coach at TCU and in what was ultimately his lone year with the program, he helped the Horned Frogs rise to its highest-ever rank in the American Volleyball Coaches Assotiation Poll, reaching No. 9 in the rankings. TCU also made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament  as a six seed and won its first-round game against Stephen F. Austin before falling to eventual NCAA-champion Texas A&M in the second round. Prior to his tenure at TCU, Smith spent three seasons at Auburn. In 2022, Smith helped the team to a 22-win season, the program’s most wins since 1998 and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, just the second in program history at the time for the Tigers.

Smith’s time at Auburn and TCU were both with the women’s volleyball team, though his stop before that was with his alma mater, the Grand Canyon men’s volleyball team. He served as a volunteer assistant coach in 2016 and then as a full-time assistant from 2018-21 and cut his teeth as a top-flight recruiter, highlighted by the team’s 2021 recruiting class. Grand Canyon had the eighth-best recruiting class in the nation, which included signing 10 of the top 50 recruits. Thanks to that accomplishment, he received an AVCA 30 Under 30 recognition as one of the best coaches nationally under the age of 30.

Splitting his time with Grand Canyon was a one-year stint at Providence with its women’s volleyball team. In that lone season, Smith helped the team to an 11-game win streak to start the 2017 campaign and also record the team’s first winning record in 10 years.

“I’m excited to welcome Keith to Utah State as our new head volleyball coach,” said Utah State Athletics Director Cam Walker in the press release. “He’s a proven recruiter with a strong track record of developing players. From the start of the hiring process, his professionalism and expertise were evident, and his attributes and vision aligned with those of our volleyball student-athletes, making him the ideal choice to advance Utah State volleyball. His background with USA Volleyball will be invaluable as the program works to reach the next level.”

Keith Smith Coaching History

  • TCU Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2025
  • Auburn Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2022-24
  • Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2018-21
  • Providence Women’s Volleyball (Ast. Coach) – 2017
  • Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball (Volunteer Ast. Coach) – 2016
  • USA National Development Program – 2019-2025



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