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Tritons Advance to Big West Semifinals with 15-10 Win Over UC Davis

Next Match: vs. Hawaii (Semifinal) 4/26/2025 | 12 PM Apr. 26 (Sat) / 12 PM vs. Hawaii (Semifinal) History IRVINE, Calif. — The fourth seeded UC San Diego women’s water polo team defeated fifth-seeded UC Davis, 15-10, in a Big West Championship quarterfinal Friday afternoon at Anteater Aquatics Complex in […]

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IRVINE, Calif. — The fourth seeded UC San Diego women’s water polo team defeated fifth-seeded UC Davis, 15-10, in a Big West Championship quarterfinal Friday afternoon at Anteater Aquatics Complex in Orange County.

The Tritons advance to Saturday’s semifinal round and will face top-seeded Hawai’i at noon. The Rainbow Wahine punched their ticket into the semis with a 16-6 thumping of Cal State Fullerton, the eighth seed, in Friday’s first game.

There are still two quarterfinals to be played as of press time. Second-seeded Long Beach State takes on No. 7 CSUN while No. 3 UC Irvine, the Big West Championship host, plays No. 6 UC Santa Barbara for the remaining two semifinal spots.

The final is set for Sunday at noon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Courtney Okumura scored the game’s opening goal at 5:07 of the first quarter and UC San Diego enjoyed a lead for the rest of the contest.

The Tritons led 4-1 after the first, 7-4 at halftime, and 11-7 following three quarters of play.

Late in the second period the Aggies closed within a goal. Trailing 4-1, they scored two straight times to make it 4-3. However, UC San Diego responded by putting three-consecutive goals on the board to go up 7-3.

After trading multiple goals in the third, Kendall Thomas, Abigail Schechter, and Lucia Doak went back-to-back-to-back, bringing the score to 12-7 Tritons at the 7:18 mark of the fourth frame. The Aggies couldn’t gain any momentum as the Tritons kept the pressure on until the final horn.

Ten different Tritons scored in the game and Okumura lead the way with a hat trick. Caroline Christl, Doak, and Holly Roberts each scored twice. Six other UC San Diego players contributed one goal apiece.

Lexi Stahl was busy in net for the Tritons, making 15 saves, two short of her career high, in the complete game victory.

For UC Davis, Sam Yoo netted three goals while Gianna Nocetti scored twice. Lucy Holland and Eva Stein split time in goal and made seven and four saves, respectively.

——

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 began a new era in 2020 as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 23-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 84 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 38 have earned 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 91 percent, one of the highest rates among institutions at all divisions.

 

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Wait Named BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

NEW YORK (Aug. 13, 2025) – Creighton volleyball star Kendra Wait was named BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Villanova track and field standout Liam Murphy was named the BIG EAST Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday. Both Wait and Murphy will receive a $4,000 scholarship, which may be applied […]

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NEW YORK (Aug. 13, 2025) – Creighton volleyball star Kendra Wait was named BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Villanova track and field standout Liam Murphy was named the BIG EAST Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday. Both Wait and Murphy will receive a $4,000 scholarship, which may be applied to graduate or professional studies. The selection was made by the Conference’s Academic Affairs Committee.

Wait graduated with an undergraduate degree in Nursing, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA over her collegiate career at Creighton. The senior earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and All-American First Team honors in 2024. In the community, she volunteered at the Children’s Hospital Omaha.

 

On the court, Wait helped lead the Creighton Bluejays to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament, as well as a BIG EAST regular season and tournament title. Individually, she was named AVCA First Team All-American, BIG EAST Player and Setter of the Year and BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Leading the BIG EAST in assists per set, she was one of 14 finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year award.

 

Murphy completed his tenure at Villanova with a master’s in business administration, boasting a 3.830 graduate GPA. A recipient of the BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Award in Cross-Country in 2023-24.

 

One of the top distance runners in the country during a record-breaking collegiate career, Murphy set the NCAA record in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:33.02 at the Raleigh Relays on March 27, 2025. His collegiate body of work includes seven NCAA, collegiate and/or Villanova records. His nine career All-America honors and 12 career BIG EAST titles both tied Villanova men’s records. His top national finishes are fourth place in the 3000 meters (2024 indoor, 2025 indoor), 11th in the 1500 meters (2023 outdoor, 2024 outdoor) and ninth in cross country (2024). In the final BIG EAST Championships meet of his career (2025 outdoor) he won the 1500 meters for the second straight year for his 12th BIG EAST title (six indoor, four outdoor, two cross country).

The Conference also announced the male and female winners of the 2024-25 BIG EAST Institutional Scholar-Athlete Scholarships. Each institutional winner receives $2,000 toward graduate studies.

2024-25 BIG EAST Institutional Female Scholar-Athlete Awards













School Name, Sport(s)
Butler Talia Sommer, Soccer
Connecticut Olivia Wright, Tennis
Creighton Kendra Wait, Volleyball *
DePaul

Georgetown

Marquette
Rachel Krasowski, Volleyball

Chloe Scrimgeour, Cross Country

Hanna Bodner, Lacrosse
Providence Alexandra Millard, Cross Country
St. John’s Anastasia Serafinko, Softball
Seton Hall Olivia Gilbert, Softball
Villanova Roschell Clayton, Track & Field
Xavier Samantha Wiehe, Soccer

*Women’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year 
 
2024-25 BIG EAST Institutional Male Scholar-Athlete Awards














School Name, Sport(s)
Butler William Zegarski, Track & Feld
Connecticut Diarmuid O’Connor, Track & Field
Creighton Dominic Cancellieri, Baseball
DePaul Darius Brown, Track & Field
Georgetown Abel Teffra, Track & Field
Marquette

Providence
Sam Cascella, Track & Field

Bernardo Prego, Soccer
St. John’s Braeden Pratt, Men’s Lacrosse
Seton Hall Sean Vizzard, Baseball
Villanova Liam Murphy, Track & Field *
Xavier Aiden Leamer, Swimming & Diving

*Men’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year 

BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Year, Name, School, Sport

1985: Leigh Curl, Connecticut, Basketball

1986: Joanne Keehs, Villanova, Track & Field

1987: Karen Ferreria, Providence, Volleyball

1988: Noreen Coughlin, Pittsburgh, Volleyball

1989: Vicki Huber, Villanova, Track & Field

1990: Siobhan Gallagher, Providence, Track & Field

1991: Cami White, Providence, Field Hockey

1992: Kelly Larkin, Syracuse, Field Hockey

1993: Nnenna Lynch, Villanova, Track & Field

1994: Allison Williams, Pittsburgh, Track & Field

1995: Becky Spies, Villanova, Cross Country/Track & Field

1996: Najuma Fletcher, Pittsburgh, Track & Field

1997: Jen Renola, Notre Dame, Soccer

1998: Charity Wachera, West Virginia, Track & Field

1999: Gladys Ganiel, Providence, Cross Country/Track & Field

2000: Jenny Streiffer, Notre Dame, Soccer

2001: Ruth Riley, Notre Dame, Basketball

2002: Jarrah Myers, Notre Dame, Softball

2003: Erin McIntyre, Rutgers, Swimming & Diving

2004: Vanessa Pruzinsky, Notre Dame, Soccer

2005: Nicole Lee, Georgetown, Cross Country/Track & Field

2006: Kelly Harrigan, Rutgers, Swimming & Diving

2007: Jessica Javelet, Louisville, Field Hockey

2008: Jillian Drouin, Syracuse, Track & Field

2009: Jennifer Kleinhans, Connecticut, Field Hockey

2010: Meagan Dooley, Pittsburgh, Volleyball

2011: Maya Moore, Connecticut, Basketball

2012: Natalie Kulla, Marquette, Soccer

2013: Sam Roecker, Providence, Cross Country/Track & Field

2014: Emily Sisson, Providence, Cross Country/Track & Field

2015: Shelbey Manthorpe, Seton Hall, Volleyball

2016: Rachel Daly, St. John’s, Soccer

2017: Lauren Smith, Creighton, Volleyball

2018: Alexis Walkden, Seton Hall, Softball

2019: Taryn Kloth, Creighton, Volleyball

2021: Aspasia AvgeriDePaul, Tennis

2022: Maggie Donahue, Georgetown, Cross Country

2023: Julia Leas, Georgetown, Soccer

2024: Julia Leas, Georgetown, Soccer

2025: Kendra Wait, Creighton, Volleyball

 

Note: In 2019-20, the BIG EAST did not present the Male or Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BIG EAST Male Scholar-Athletes Of The Year












































Year Name, School, Sport
1985 Joey David, Pittsburgh, Basketball
1986 John Prior, Connecticut, Track & Field
1987 Harold Jensen, Villanova, Basketball
1988 Dave Echeverria, Villanova, Swimming & Diving
1989 Chris Craft, Villanova, Swimming & Diving
1990 Pat O’Kelly, Seton Hall, Soccer
1991 David Honor, St. John’s, Baseball
1992 Steve Holman, Georgetown, Track & Field
1993 Hector Zamora, Seton Hall, Soccer
1994 Sebastien Goulet, Swimming, Syracuse
1995 Kevin Lyles, Seton Hall, Track & Field
1996 Gil Kovalski, Miami, Tennis
1997 Christian Fogarazzo, St. John’s, Track & Field
1998 Errol Williams, Notre Dame, Track & Field
1999 Angelo Ciminiello, Providence, Baseball
2000 Scott VanEpps, Pittsburgh, Swimming & Diving
2001 Chris Hamblin, Boston College, Soccer
2002 Gregory Strohmann, Seton Hall, Soccer
2003 Casey Schmidt, Boston College, Soccer
2004 Chris Wingert, St. John’s, Soccer
2005 Guy Melamed, Boston College, Soccer
2006 Trevor O’Grady, Rutgers, Track & Field
2007 Drew Eckman, Villanova, Track & Field
2008 Jeremy Stultz, Pittsburgh, Swimming & Diving
2009 Zak Boggs, USF, Soccer
2010 Francisco Aristeguieta, USF, Soccer
2011 Brian Karalunas, Villanova, Lacrosse
2012 Eric Finan, Cincinnati, Cross Country/Track & Field
2013 Grant Van De Casteele, Notre Dame, Soccer
2014 Charles Lyon, Marquette, Soccer
2015 Sam McEntee, Villanova, Cross Country/Track & Field
2016 Thomas Hackimer, St. John’s, Baseball
2017 David Goldsmith, Butler, Soccer
2018 Eric Dick, Butler, Soccer
2019 Sven Koenig, Creighton, Soccer
2021 Marcelo Rocha, Providence, Track & Field
2022 Dante Polvara, Georgetown, Soccer
2023 Will Bowen, Georgetown, Lacrosse
2024 Parker Stokes, Georgetown, Cross Country/Track & Field
2025 Liam Murphy, Villanova, Track & Field

 
Note: In 2019-20, the BIG EAST did not present the Male or Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 



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2025 Fall Preview: Clever Volleyball

By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com) Clever volleyball enjoyed another successful campaign in 2024. The Blue Jays and head coach Mackenzie Stoner recorded the program’s third 20-win season in a row with a 23-10-2 record, falling to Strafford in the Class 3 District 10 tournament. “Last season was a whirlwind for our team, filled with growth, […]

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By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Clever volleyball enjoyed another successful campaign in 2024.

The Blue Jays and head coach Mackenzie Stoner recorded the program’s third 20-win season in a row with a 23-10-2 record, falling to Strafford in the Class 3 District 10 tournament.

“Last season was a whirlwind for our team, filled with growth, challenges and a lot of firsts,” Stoner said. “With many new pieces in place, including on the coaching side, no one was entirely sure what to expect—but the team embraced the season with energy and determination.

“One key lesson we learned as a team was the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the entire season. Heading into this season, we’re carrying that lesson with us. We believe in what this group can accomplish, and we’re aiming to extend our season—and our growth—as far as we can.”

Heading into her second season at the helm, Stoner will look to a trio of returning players to lead the Clever attack in Addy Hoover, Lauren Bos and Bella Argo.

Hoover, a junior right side/setter, pushed her career assist total to 311 last season.

“Addy stepped into the setter role last season and has continued to build on that foundation in the offseason,” Stoner said. “She’s been working hard on both her setting and hitting, becoming even more versatile. Addy’s competitiveness and passion for the game will be a true difference-maker for our team this year.”

Bos, a junior right side/setter, ended her sophomore season with 135 career kills.

“Lauren played primarily as a right side hitter last season and during summer training, she’s taken on the challenge of setting as well,” Stoner said. “Her strong volleyball IQ and well-rounded skill set will play a key role in our team’s success this season.”

Argo, a sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter, enters the season with 101 career kills.

“Bella contributed as a middle blocker last season and has been transitioning into more time as an outside hitter,” Stoner said. “Her intensity, athleticism, and versatility make her a valuable asset as we head into the new season.”

Junior defensive specialist Izi Hunter, junior defensive specialist/outside hitter Maycee King and sophomore outside hitter/setter Hayden Cobb also return for the Blue Jays.

“Izi, Maycee and Hayden all spent last season contributing on JV while gaining valuable experience on the varsity bench,” Stoner said. “This year, they’re stepping into varsity roles, bringing fresh energy, effort, and a range of skills that will strengthen our team.

“Anna Staiger is also making the jump to varsity after serving as our JV libero last season. She has trained hard all summer in preparation to take over as our varsity libero, and we’re confident she’ll thrive in that role.”

Stoner also expects a trio of freshmen to compete for playing time this season including middle blocker Taryn Wheeler, defensive specialist Allie Dunn and middle blocker Olivia Compton.

“Taryn and Allie, both new to Clever, have quickly proven to be valuable additions to the program,” Stoner said. “Throughout the summer, they’ve demonstrated strong fundamentals, a solid understanding of the game, and a willingness to learn and grow. Olivia returns to the program after playing for Clever Junior High last season and brings great energy and skill to the court. Together, these three freshmen add depth and promise to our roster this season.”

While the Blue Jays will feature a new look roster this season, Stoner is confident in her team’s ability to step in and compete.

“This season will look completely different from last year,” Stoner said. “With four senior starters graduating, we have several key roles to fill—but our team is ready for the challenge. There’s a new energy, a hunger to grow and a lot of potential. It’s going to be an exciting journey watching this group step up and make it their own.”

Stoner believes Clever’s overall team energy will be a significant asset heading into the season.

“These girls genuinely love the game of volleyball, and it shows in everything they do,” Stoner said. “They bring intensity, effort and positivity to the court every day. What stands out most is the balance they’ve found between working hard and having fun—they compete with passion and joy, and that energy is contagious when they play.”

Following an Aug. 26 jamboree at Carl Junction, Clever opens its regular season Sep. 1 at Logan-Rogersville.





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UC Davis Athletics Announces Fall ESPN+ Broadcasts

Story Links DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics has announced its ESPN+ streaming schedule for the upcoming fall sports season, with 31 games set to air from Aug. 14 through Nov. 22, 2025. Coverage includes selected contests from women’s soccer, men’s soccer, field hockey, men’s water polo, football, and women’s volleyball. Women’s […]

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DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics has announced its ESPN+ streaming schedule for the upcoming fall sports season, with 31 games set to air from Aug. 14 through Nov. 22, 2025.
Coverage includes selected contests from women’s soccer, men’s soccer, field hockey, men’s water polo, football, and women’s volleyball. Women’s soccer will kick off the streaming schedule on Aug. 14, with additional broadcasts for the aforementioned sports spanning through late November.
 
The streaming lineup provides convenient access for Aggie fans and supporters, enhancing visibility for UC Davis Athletics programs throughout the fall.
 
ESPN+ Fall Streaming Schedule:
Women’s Soccer:

  • Aug. 14 vs. Fresno State
  • Aug. 21 vs. San Jose State
  • Sept. 4 vs. Saint Mary’s
  • Sept. 14 vs. Montana
  • Sept. 25 vs. UC Santa Barbara
  • Sept. 28 vs. Cal Poly
  • Oct. 12 vs. Long Beach State

Men’s Soccer:

  • Sept. 3 vs. Saint Mary’s
  • Sept. 13 vs. Seattle University
  • Sept. 18 vs. Pacific
  • Sept. 24 vs. San Jose State
  • Oct. 8 vs. UC Santa Barbara
  • Oct. 18 vs. UC Riverside

Field Hockey:

  • Sept. 5 vs. Ball State
  • Sept. 11 vs. Ohio
  • Sept. 12 vs. Michigan

Men’s Water Polo:

  • Sept. 6 vs. Stanford
  • Sept. 6 vs. San Jose State
  • Oct. 17 vs. Fullerton

Football:

  • Sept. 20 vs. Southern Utah
  • Sept. 27 vs. Weber State
  • Oct. 11 vs. Northern Arizona
  • Nov. 1 vs. Idaho State
  • Nov. 22 vs. Sacramento State

Women’s Volleyball:

  • Oct. 2 vs. Fullerton
  • Oct. 4 vs. UC Irvine
  • Oct. 9 vs. UC San Diego
  • Oct. 23 vs. UC Santa Barbara
  • Oct. 28 vs. UC Riverside
  • Oct. 30 vs. Hawai’i
  • Nov. 20 vs. CSUN



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DWU Volleyball Slotted Fifth in GPAC Preseason Poll, Receive Votes Nationally

SIOUX CITY, IA — The Dakota Wesleyan volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the 2025 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Coaches Preseason Poll, the GPAC announced this morning.  Dakota Wesleyan received 77 points after finishing 13-16 (7-9 GPAC) last year with a trip to the conference tournament.  Concordia has been picked to win the […]

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SIOUX CITY, IA — The Dakota Wesleyan volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the 2025 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Coaches Preseason Poll, the GPAC announced this morning. 

Dakota Wesleyan received 77 points after finishing 13-16 (7-9 GPAC) last year with a trip to the conference tournament.  Concordia has been picked to win the conference with 117 votes, while Northwestern is the projected runner-up with 115 votes.  The Tigers also received votes (10 total points) in the NAIA’s 2025 preseason volleyball poll, being named amongst 27 other schools who just missed out on the top 25.

DWU will open the season on the road with its first trip in Valley City, ND, where they will face Valley City State and Dickinson State.  The Tigers will open up at home on September 6th against Waldorf. 

For full GPAC Release, click here. The NAIA’s preseason top 25 can be viewed here.

All things DWU Volleyball, click here.


Don’t forget to follow Dakota Wesleyan University Athletics across all social media platforms!  #RollTige

FACEBOOK  /  TWITTER/X  /  INSTAGRAM





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Chamov hired as women’s track and field assistant coach

Arkansas women’s head coach Chris Johnson announced the hiring of Iliyan Chamov (Il-e-an Cham-ov) as an assistant coach with the Razorback track and field program. Chamov has been an assistant coach at Missouri the past 10 seasons working with the men’s and women’s jumpers and combined events. Previously, he was an assistant coach at Southern […]

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Arkansas women’s head coach Chris Johnson announced the hiring of Iliyan Chamov (Il-e-an Cham-ov) as an assistant coach with the Razorback track and field program.

Chamov has been an assistant coach at Missouri the past 10 seasons working with the men’s and women’s jumpers and combined events. Previously, he was an assistant coach at Southern Illinois at Edwardsville (2013-15) as well as NAIA school Lindenwood (2009-11).

“It’s exciting, it’s the best program in the country, the best program in the world,” noted Chamov. “Of course, I have big shoes to fill, but that makes it more exciting. I’m very eager to start working.”

Johnson noted: “We’re fortunate to get Iliyan, he has a plethora of experience being in the SEC while at Missouri. He’s tireless recruiter, and a really, really good coach. He’s going to help us in the vertical jumps as well as the horizontal jumps along with the multi. So, it gives the rest of the staff some relief from having to do all those things.

“He’s going to bring that knowledge and a recruiting expertise to the University of Arkansas. I think he did a fantastic job during this time at Missouri with plenty of All-Americans and conference champions. He’s going to help our program continue to fill out and be the program we want it to be, and that’s being very balanced.”

Over his time frame as an assistant coach, athletes coached by Chamov have totaled 57 All-America honors (first and second team), 14 conference champions with seven titles attained in the SEC, along with a NCAA champion and seven NAIA champions.

The 2025 season produced the national champion as Jonathan Seremes won the NCAA Indoor triple jump and SEC Indoor titles while Kristi Perez-Snyman claimed the SEC Outdoor women’s high jump. Chamov coached athletes earned five first-team All-America honors this past season.

“The SEC is the most competitive conference in the country and I’ve been rubbing shoulders with Arkansas the entire time I was with Missouri,” said Chamov. “We came here for a lot competitions while I was at Mizzou and I had the pleasure to experience the quality of the facilities and the quality of the team.

“I’ve known the coaches for quite a long time and they show a lot of quality on their end. That’s what makes it even more exciting, because now we’re going to be coaching together to win championships.”

Chamov, who hails from Yambol, Bulgaria, is a 2006 graduate of the University of Ruse in Bulgaria, where he earned a physical therapy degree. He is also a 2012 graduate of Lindenwood University (St. Charles, Mo.), where he earned his undergraduate degree in athletic training and a master’s in human performance.

The experience of being an international athlete himself helps Chamov during the recruiting process.

“It’s very beneficial,” noted Chamov. “A lot of international athletes leave their countries, family, friends, environment, and culture just to get to an education and better opportunities to compete.

“I believe I bring a lot on the table with that because I’ve walked through that path in the past and I know exactly how they feel. I can assist them through the process and give them an opportunity to be a better student-athlete.”

Johnson noted that Chamov is a fourth generation coach within his family and his mother coaches in Europe.

“That piece of it is really going to help us,” said Johnson. “He’s very much on top of it and his wife is from France, so they’re intertwined in the European network. That’s going to help us in recruiting and being able to acquire some kids from Europe.”

Upon graduation from Lindenwood, Chamov became an assistant coach at his alma mater and led the Lions to tremendous success in the NAIA. He mentored seven national champions and 16 All-Americans.

For his success as an athlete and a coach, Chamov was inducted into the Lindenwood Hall of Fame in 2014.

Chamov and his wife, Celia, have a daughter, Noami Essi-Petya, who was born in November of 2018. Celia was a six-time NAIA champion at Lindenwood.



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Volleyball Welcomes Seven Additions Ahead of 2025 Season

Story Links CHARLESTON – With the 2025 pre-season underway, Head Coach Carry Brown and the Charleston Southern volleyball staff have been pleased with the seven new additions who joined the program this off-season. #1 Emersyn Reiter | Outside Hitter | Freshman | 6’0″ | Mooresville, NC | Lake Norman High School Of […]

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CHARLESTON – With the 2025 pre-season underway, Head Coach Carry Brown and the Charleston Southern volleyball staff have been pleased with the seven new additions who joined the program this off-season.

#1 Emersyn Reiter | Outside Hitter | Freshman | 6’0″ | Mooresville, NC | Lake Norman High School

Of all seven new additions to this year’s VolleyBuc roster, no one has had their eyes set on being a Buccaneer longer than Emersyn Reiter. Reiter originally committed to play at Charleston Southern in April of 2024, and just a few months after that commitment, the Lake Norman High School star accumulated 222 kills, 71 digs, and 19 service aces during her senior campaign.

When asked about her true freshman outside hitter, Head Coach Carry Brown touched on the mental components Reiter brings to the program.

“Emersyn has a competitive fire that we need in a freshman. What she brings to our program is heart, passion, and a determination to improve. I have been waiting to coach her for a long time, now the moment is here… I know she will do great things here at CSU!”

#9 Ola Matusiak | Setter | Freshman | 6’2″ | Lódz, Poland | XXI B. Prusa High School

One of two Polish additions to the 2025 squad, Ola Matusiak has arrived in Charleston to begin her collegiate volleyball career. Before making her way to the United States for the first time this August, Matusiak collected highly competitive volleyball experience in her home country of Poland. Last year, she played for one of the Top-8 clubs in Poland’s 19U division (LKS Lódz). She also won the team championship and tournament MVP award in her Polish equivalent of a state (Lodzkie Voivodeship). 

Matusiak is also the tallest setter on record in Charleston Southern program history (6’2″). Head Coach Carry Brown made note of Matusiak’s size being one the strongest attributes her Polish freshman brings to the table entering this season.

“Ola’s height and hands will be great assets to our program… she collected a ton of experience playing top level and highly competitive volleyball in Poland.”

#10 Emma Bednarek | Middle Blocker | Junior | 6’3″ | Rosario, Argentina | Trinity Valley Community College

The tallest player on this year’s roster, Emma Bednarek arrived in the Lowcountry in the Spring of 2025. With her comes a wealth of on-court, collegiate volleyball experience. The Argentina-native played in 247 sets during her time at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, and not only was she on the court, she was an impressive contributor on the stat sheet. As a sophomore, her 139 total blocks ranked 9th in the country (NJCAA Division 1) as well as 23rd in the hitting percentage category (0.335).

Bednarek’s physical attributes and history of being successful around the net were highlighted by her new head coach, Carry Brown.

“Emma brings size and a solid block to our program. She can attack any kind of set anywhere at the net. We have seen tremendous growth in her game after only being here for a few months.”

#12 Manon Braunsteffer | Middle Blocker | Senior | 6’2″ | Paris, France | Eastern Illinois

Another Spring 2025 addition, Manon Braunsteffer, has joined Coach Brown’s program after dominating the junior college ranks. During her two-year stint with the Monroe University Mustangs, Braunsteffer recorded 450 kills, 156 total blocks, and 68 digs, yet her most impressive statistic as an underclassman was her hitting percentage. In 2022, Braunsteffer led the nation (NJCAA Division 1) in the category posting a 0.438 mark on 484 attempts. Following that performance up in 2023, Braunsteffer again finished top-three in the country with a 0.397 mark on 406 tries.

Off of the volleyball court, Braunsteffer is also an avid traveler. Although one of her new teammates, Emma Bednarek, is the South American representative on the 2025 roster, Braunsteffer cited that portion of the globe as being home to one of her favorite recent travels, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil.

When asked about what her French-blocker brings to the roster this season, Head Coach Carry Brown brought up several characteristics.

“Manon brings physical strength, a quick arm swing, and solid blocking ability to our front line. She is a true competitor who I’ve enjoyed seeing stack up against our other experienced players.”

#13 Cara McLean | Setter | Freshman | 6’0″ | Chicago, IL | Marist High School

A Chicago-native and Marist High School graduate, Cara McLean committed to play for Charleston Southern in March of 2025. 

Attention to detail and competitive energy were two of the areas Head Coach Carry Brown highlighted in regards to McLean.

“Cara’s is an outright competitor… her last year in high school, she led her program to a 4A state championship in Illinois. Her work ethic and attention to detail really rounds out our setter position group.”

#18 Laila Hilton | Opposite/Outside Hitter | Junior | 6’0″ | Denver, CO | Fort Valley State

Committing to the VolleyBucs back in February of this year, Laila Hilton is excited to finally be in the Holy City playing for Carry Brown‘s volleyball program. The Denver, Colorado native played her first two seasons down in South Georgia at Fort Valley State University. At FVSU, Hilton received valuable on-court experience as she appeared in 151 sets through the two seasons. As a freshman, her 167 kills ranked second on the 2023 Wildcat roster.

Hilton’s talent on the volleyball court, in addition to her academic excellence and history of volunteer leadership work, makes her an ideal addition to what Head Coach Carry Brown is building her program to be at Charleston Southern.

“My first thought when I think about Laila is how good of a teammate and person she is. She works endlessly to improve her skill set which sets a great example and helps her teammates do the same… her volleyball IQ and college volleyball experience on top of all that makes her an outstanding transfer addition to our program,” said Coach Brown.

#19 Oliwia “Liv” Durka | Opposite/Outside Hitter | Graduate | 6’2″ | Szczecin, Poland | Saint Leo University

The oldest of Coach Brown’s additions to the 2025 roster is Oliwia “Liv” Durka. Having played at nearly all levels of college volleyball (NC State, Dodge City Community College, and St. Leo University), Durka brings a wealth of experience to the Buc Dome. Most recently, as a senior at St. Leo, the Szczecin, Poland native ranked first on her team in kills (274) and third in both blocks (37) and service aces (27).

Durka has already noticeably taken freshman, Ola Matusiak under her wing as she herself was a true freshman from Poland just four years ago.

Experience was the number one quality highlighted by Head Coach Carry Brown when asked what Durka brings to this year’s group.

“Liv’s experience across all levels of college volleyball is going to be tremendously valuable for us. When crunch time situations arise this season, her detailed understanding of the game will be utilized.”

Charleston Southern will open the regular season on August 29th as they host the 2025 Buc Dome Invitational. Their first official match-up of the year will be at 12:30 PM against Loyola Maryland.

For all the most up-to-date coverage involving CSU Volleyball, follow us on Instagram and X/Twitter @csubucs_vb.



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