Spring 2025 Offseason Roster Changes and Spring Schedule

[WuDrWu]

Maybe keep everything here?


So far, Reagan Anderson and Hailey Wolfe in the portal.

As I speculated in the NCAA Tournament thread, Mary Jane MJ McCurdy is in the portal from Texas State. My guess is she will command a big price, but I'd like to see us able to take a swing at her. Maybe the timing is just bad because even if we landed her, she'll probably be a free agent next year too. But it's fun to wish.

[1972Shocker]

Links to VB Transfer Info:

https://linktr.ee/collegevbtransfers

[1972Shocker]

San Jose State and Charleston Southern the early leaders each with 7 players in the portal. I guess San Jose is understandable with all the drama surrounding that program but the man-she on their roster is in his final year of eligibility I think.

Old Dominion, Rider, and Virginia Tech each have 6 players in the portal.

The AAC has 18 players from 8 teams so far, led by Memphis with 5. Perhaps the most familiar name to me other than the 2 Shocker players at this point is Kesley Smith the Senior Setter/Outside Hitter at UAB.

Not real sure how Lambo is going to approach the portal this year especially in light of signing a 9 players high school class. Bound to be some more 2024 Shockers opting into the portal and/or giving up the sport. I guess there is some question about what Brooklyn Leggett, who has 1 year of eligibility remaining might do.

[Critter's Pa]

The portal list has been updated today. It went from 374 players to 496. I'm sure that number will grow. I wonder how many will find a new school. There are lots of DII, DIII, NAIA and NJCAA players. I am kinda surprised that there are no Cowley County players in the portal. For the last two years they are 81-0. They may not be on the Power 4 DI level, but I'm sure they could make the rosters of some DI, if not DII, schools.

KU's Ayah Elnady is one of the bigger names I have seen on the list. She made HM on the AVAC Central team. I'm sure she will receive a few offers. She only has one year of eligibility remaining.

Baylor's Allie Sczech would be a nice pick up. 6'4" left-handed opposite. Played in all but 2 sets this year. 2.44 Kills/set (2nd on team) and 72 total blocks (3rd on team) this year. Had 109 total blocks freshman year. She will be a grad student next year.

[1972Shocker]

Baylor's Allie Sczech would be a nice pick up. 6'4" left-handed opposite. Played in all but 2 sets this year. 2.44 Kills/set (2nd on team) and 72 total blocks (3rd on team) this year. Had 109 total blocks freshman year. She will be a grad student next year.

If she ends up in the AAC Rice is her most likely landing spot. But would not be surprised to see her end up at SMU.

[Critter's Pa]

Gonzo is in the portal. I find this one a little bit surprising. I would have thought she would have the opportunity to for a starting spot or at least significant playing time next year. Maybe she wants to head back to a school in Texas.

Memphis has only 5 players on their 2025 roster- 3 DSs, an OH and their starting setter. They had 18 players, 4 graduated, so 9 players either entered the portal or quit playing (or the 2025 roster isn't correct, which I doubt). 1100+ of their almost 1300 kills from last season are gone. Their only player that I know of that has found a new school, is middle blocker, Tiffany Snook. She transferred to Ball State. As a freshman, she was second on the team in kills, points, and blocks. Wonder if they will fill out the roster with more grad transfers or starting freshmen.

[WuDrWu]

MF.

[WuDrWu]

So 4 seniors and 4 transfers or retirements (I see Abby Whatton isn't listed on the '25 roster so I assume she's transferring or stepping away since she didn't see the floor this season).

Not a fan of the turnover. Especially someone like Alyssa. And look, I want her to be happy and successful in life, wherever that's going to be. But success isn't going to be in professional VB and life tells me 3 schools in 3 years is an uphill battle in a variety of ways. In limited interactions with her, Alyssa was sharp, engaging, friendly, inquisitive, charming. All attributes that will likely serve her well in her life.

I have no idea what the open market is for an OH with plus upside but not top 20 skill. I also have no idea of what her family situation needs might or might not be. If she's moving for money, that's unfortunate for everyone. I sincerely hope she finds happiness and longevity in her next stop as she will be missed in this household.

[jimshocker]

Lambo is going to use his NIVC chip and NCAA bid to restart his clock. I wonder if he had not made the tournament how tight his leash may have gotten. The hired guns plus Morgan got it done this year.

I hope it’s not close to a decade again before an NCAA bid. However, next season is shaping up to be all sophomores and freshman. Maybe an upperclassman Libero.

He needs to develope THIS group of freshman and incoming recruits over the next two years. If they all gone and it’s all transfers again in 2027. The elephant will be back in the house.

[Critter's Pa]

So 4 seniors and 4 transfers or retirements (I see Abby Whatton isn't listed on the '25 roster so I assume she's transferring or stepping away since she didn't see the floor this season).

Not a fan of the turnover.

I get that. Graduating two all-time record holding players only exasperates the feeling.

Only two of the four leaving players had significant playing time. Abby may have retired. I think I have seen her in a walking boot. Might be a nagging injury that isn't going to get better.

I'm hoping that Gracie will be better than Gonzo. Brooklyn and Emerson will be seniors, I expect them to be productive. I hope that Gracie will be pushing for a regular spot in the starting rotation.

While I think Reagan, like Gonzo, has big upside, I do like our littles. Having Gabi back will be a boost.

I am glad neither setters looked to transfer. Will coach look for a transfer setter? I wonder if he is leaning toward a 6-2 for next year. Due to the setting rule change, I think that the setter position is leaning toward how UAB's Kelsey Smith played- back row setter, front row opposite. I think Izzi could have played like that.

If Maddie Wilson can stay injury free, she will probably start most, if not all, matches next year. Who will be the other middle blocker? Wasn't Allie injured at some point this year? I hope injuries don't make this position a revolving door.

The incoming class is supposed to be pretty good. Wonder if any will be here to play spring ball. Hope we get a home game or four this spring.

[Critter's Pa]

Reagan is headed to Austin Peay State. Don't know much about the program, I hope she does well there.

Gonzo is going to Houston. Houston needs a lot of help to keep up with the top programs in the Big 12. Hope she does well there. Wonder how much court time she will see next year.

[flyingMoose]

Reagan is headed to Austin Peay State. Don't know much about the program, I hope she does well there.

Austin Peay is part of the Atlantic Sun (Florida Gulf Coast and Lipscomb are the best programs); they were 1-15 in the conference this past season. Not surprisingly, they hired a new head coach earlier this month. Their end-of-season Pablo was 3505, where 5000 is an average team. Reagan should definitely be able to help.

Gonzo is going to Houston. Houston needs a lot of help to keep up with the top programs in the Big 12. Hope she does well there. Wonder how much court time she will see next year.

Houston was 7-11 in the Big XII this season. They currently only have eight players on their 2025 roster, taking a big graduation/eligibility hit. I am sure she thinks this is a step up for her, but three programs in three years?

[WuDrWu]

Maybe keep everything here?


So far, Reagan Anderson and Hailey Wolfe in the portal.

As I speculated in the NCAA Tournament thread, Mary Jane MJ McCurdy is in the portal from Texas State. My guess is she will command a big price, but I'd like to see us able to take a swing at her. Maybe the timing is just bad because even if we landed her, she'll probably be a free agent next year too. But it's fun to wish.

MJ headed to Baylor.

SMU is clearly tampering. They already have 4 commits including Auburn's best player in '24 and 2 freshmen studs at USC. They are continuing to light money on fire in Dallas, but they certainly have it to burn.

[Critter's Pa]

Incoming player.

Elinor Engel, 6'0" middle blocker from Central Missouri (DII). In high school, she played at Shawnee Mission Northwest. In 2023 was a AVAC honorable mention All American as a freshman. In 2024 played in all 100 sets, had 313 kills at 3.13 kills/set, hit .214, and 81 total blocks. (117 blocks freshman year) 2 years of eligibility remaining. Looks like a nice addition.

[WuDrWu]

https://ucmathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/elinor-engel/8098

https://www.instagram.com/elinor.engel/