14 NCAA Volleyball Players Making Waves in the 2024-2025 Season

Meet the rising stars and seasoned veterans shaping college volleyball. This list of 14 standout NCAA volleyball players showcases the best talent across positions in the thrilling 2024-2025 season.

As the 2023-2024 collegiate volleyball season heats up, the courts are ablaze with impact NCAA volleyball players that's simply too good to ignore.

From jaw-dropping kills to gravity-defying digs, this season has already served up a feast of volleyball excellence that's keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

In this star-studded lineup, we're shining the spotlight on 14 players who are not just participating in the game – they're redefining it. These athletes represent the cream of the crop from powerhouse programs across the nation, each bringing their unique flair to the court.

Now, you might notice I've favored a bit of towards spikers attending this spike party with the amount of pin hitters selected.

But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the other positions.

I've made sure to include

• the setters who are dishing out assists like they're going out of style, 
• middle blockers who are turning the net into their personal kingdom, and 
• liberos who seem to have secret gravity-defying powers.

I chose these 'Fab 14' based on

• a mix of eye-popping performances,
• their knack for grabbing headlines,
• representation from top-performing teams, and a 
• blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces who are already making their mark.

So, whether you're

• a die-hard fan
• a casual observer or 
• a player looking for inspiration, get ready to rumble! 

I'm about to take you on a tour of the group of NCAA volleyball players who I think are setting the collegiate volleyball world on fire during the regular season.

From record-breaking kills to defensive plays that defy physics, these athletes are showing us why college volleyball is the most thrilling show in town right now.

Let's dive in and meet the stars who are making the 2024-2025 season one for the books!"

1. Jess Mruzik - Outside Hitter, Penn State (Senior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

- Named to the All-Big Ten First Team
- Averaged 3.86 kills per set
- Hit .275 for the season
- Recorded 15 double-doubles
- Totaled 386 kills and 241 digs

 -AVCA second-team All-American                           -AVCA All-Northeast Region                                       -All-Big Ten First team                                                 -AVCA National Player of the Week (9/5)               -Two Big Ten Player of the Week (9/5, 9/25)             -Academic All-Big Ten Team                                     -MVP of the Penn State Invitational.

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):

 - 4.48 kills per set average                                         - 376  total kills                                                             - 193 total digs                                                             - three-time Big Ten Player of the Week                   - preseason All Big Team                                           - semifinalist for AVCA Player of the Year 

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Penn State's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Jess is fluent in Polish and has represented the U.S. in international youth competitions.

2. Kami Miner - Setter, Stanford

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

As a Junior (2023) • Pac-12 Champions

• Pac-12 Setter of the Year
• AVCA All-America First team
• VolleyballMag.com All-America First Team
• AVCA All-Pacific North Region
• All-Pac-12 Conference
• Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 4)
• Preseason All-Pac-12 Conference
• Led the Pac-12 and was fourth nationally with 11.73 assists per set
• Set the Cardinal offense to the best hitting percentage in the nation (.316)
• Tallied 1,408 assists (third-most in the country)
• Tied for the team lead with 13 double-doubles
• Career-high six aces at UCLA (Nov. 17)

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):
- 10.69 assists per set
- 823 for total assists                                                                    -45 kills                                                                                      -o.58 k/s                                                                                      -198 total digs                                                                             -2.57 digs per set                                                                      - 5-time ACC Setter of the Week awards                                - 2024 Preseason All ACC

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Stanford's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Kami's father, Harold Miner, was an NBA player known as "Baby Jordan" for his impressive dunking ability. Kami has clearly inherited his athletic genes, applying them to dominate on the volleyball court.

• 8/22/24: The TreeCast Episode 197: Fall Sports Spotlight (gostanford.com)
• 11/29/23: The prodigy and the protégé: The pain of 'Baby Jordan' and the power of Kami Miner (ESPN.com)
• 10/23/22: Stanford Sophomore Kami Miner Chasing Volleyball Stardom (San Francisco Chronicle)
• 10/5/22: Inspiring Others: Kami Miner (YouTube)

3. Bergen Reilly - Setter, Nebraska (Sophomore)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

- Named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team
- Averaged 10.70 assists per set
- Totaled 1,177 assists in her freshman year
- Helped lead Nebraska to a 33-6 record and an NCAA Final Four appearance                                              
-First freshman to win Big Ten Setter of the Year since the award originated in 2012

• AVCA All-America Second Team (2023)                                                         • AVCA All-Region Team (2023)              • Big Ten Setter of the Year (2023)

• All-Big Ten First Team (2023)
• Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2023)
• Big Ten Setter of the Week (Sept. 25, 2023; Oct. 2, 2023; Oct. 23, 2023; Nov. 6, 2023)
• Big Ten Freshman of the Week (Sept. 25, 2023; Oct. 30, 2023)
• Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team (2023)
• Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (Beach-2024)
• Academic All-Big Ten (Beach-2024)
• Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2023; Spring 2024)
• Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2023, 2024)

2024 Season (as of [11/10/24]):

- 11.12 assists per set average leads the nation
- 923 for total assists
- Big Ten Setter of the Week awards three times this season
- 2024 AVCA Player of the Year Watch List

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Nebraska's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Bergen has experience with the U.S. Women's National Team, having trained with them before even starting her college career. This international exposure has contributed to her poise and skill on the court for Nebraska.

4. Anna Smrek - Middle Blocker, Wisconsin (Junior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:
- Named to the All-Big Ten First Team
- Averaged 2.73 kills per set
- Hit an impressive .400 for the season
- Averaged 1.30 blocks per set
- Helped lead Wisconsin to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight

• 2023 AVCA Second-Team All-American
• 2023 AVCA All-Northeast Region 
• 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten
• 2023 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team

2024 Season (as of 11/10/2024):

- 2.97 kills per set average                                    - 214 total kills
- .330 hitting percentage                                      - 88 total blocks                                                      - 1.22 blocks per set average                              - 35 total digs                                                          - .049 digs per set average                                         

- Big Ten Player of the Week: 

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Wisconsin's head coach]

Fun Fact:
At 6'9", Anna is one of the tallest players in NCAA volleyball and the tallest to ever put on a Wisconsin jersey

5. Mckenna Wucherer - Outside Hitter, Minnesota (Sophomore)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

• Academic All-Big Ten (2023)
• AVCA All-North Region Honorable Mention (2022; 2023)
• Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2022)
• Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2023-24)
• Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge MVP (2023)
• Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge All-Tournament (2023)
• CSC Academic All-District (2023)
• Diet Coke Classic All-Tournament Team (2023)
• U21 Team USA Norceca Pan-Am Cup Gold Medalist (May 2023)

2024 Season (as of 11/10/2024]):

- 2.53 kills per set average                  - 152 total kills                                        - 436 hitting percentage                      - 1.77 digs per set average                - 106 total digs                                      - 20 aces per set average                  - .33 total aces                                     

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Minnesota's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Mckenna comes from a volleyball family; her older sister, Ade, played volleyball at Northern Kentucky University

6. Sarah Franklin - Outside Hitter, Wisconsin (Fifth Year Senior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

• 2023 AVCA National Player of the Year
• 2023 AVCA First-Team All-American
• 2023 AVCA Northeast Region Player of the Year
• 2023 Big Ten Player of the Year 
• 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten
• AVCA National Player of the Week - Nov 28, 2023
• 2023 NCAA Regional All-Tournament MVP
• Big Ten Player of the Week - 3-time      Oct. 16, 2023, Oct. 30, 2023, Nov. 27, 2023

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):

 -   4.46 kills per set average                                 -   361 total kills                                                     
 -   .298 hitting percentage                                   -   2.44 digs per set average                                 -   198  total digs                                                     -   39 total blocks percentage                             -  .48 blocks per set average   

• Big Ten Player of the Week: Nov 11, 
• Established Wisconsin program record with season-high 33 kills vs Marquette
• 3rd in the B1G, 1st on the team and 18th in the NCAA with 4.46 kills/set
• Five matches with 20+ kills
• Fifth in the B1G in total kills (361)
• Semifinalist AVCA Player of the Year List

The AVCA released its first group of semifinalists for the Player of the Year award. Pitt leads the group with three nominees. Also included is last year's winner Sarah Franklin of Wisconsin. Another group will be announced on Nov. 14.https://t.co/X0uGWKtS6P pic.twitter.com/IWXsbADEUs

— Lincoln Arneal (@Lincoln_VB) November 13, 2024

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Stanford's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Julia was born in Russia and moved to the United States at a young age, bringing a unique international flair to her playing style.

7. Merritt Beason - Outside Hitter, Nebraska (Senior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:
- Named to the All-Big Ten First Team
- Averaged 3.72 kills per set
- Hit .282 for the season
- Recorded 424 kills and 79 total blocks
- Key player in Nebraska's Final Four run

• AVCA All-America First Team (2023)
• AVCA Region Player of the Year (2023)
• AVCA All-Region Team (2022, 2023)
• All-Big Ten First Team (2023)                 • AVCA National Player of the Week (Oct. 24, 2023)

• Big Ten Player of the Week (Sept. 18, 2023; Oct. 2, 2023; Oct. 23, 2023; Nov. 6, 2023)

2024 Season (as of [current date]):

- 3.06 kills per set average                        -  254 total kills                                            - .258 hitting percentage

• CSC Academic All-District (2024)
• Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (Beach-2024)
• Academic All-Big Ten (Beach-2024)
• SEC Academic Honor Roll (Fall 2021)
• Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2023, 2024)
• Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2023; Spring 2023, 2024)

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Nebraska's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Merritt transferred to Nebraska from Florida, showcasing her adaptability and skill in two of the nation's top volleyball programs.

8. Harper Murray - Outside Hitter, Nebraska (Sophomore)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:
- Named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team
- Averaged 3.13 kills per set
- Recorded 357 kills in her freshman season
- Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week multiple times

• AVCA All-America Third Team (2023)
• AVCA Region Freshman of the Year (2023)
• AVCA All-Region Team (2023)
• All-Big Ten First Team (2023)
• Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2023)
• Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2023)
• Big Ten Freshman of the Week (Aug. 28, 2023; Sept. 18, 2023; Oct. 2, 2023)

• Ameritas Players Challenge MVP (Aug. 27, 2023)

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):
 - 3.30 kills per set average                           - 271 total kills                                                 - 255

- [Placeholder for any Big Ten Player of the Week awards]

-  Academic All-Big Ten (Beach-2024)        -  Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Spring 2024)                                                 - Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2023, 2024)                                                       

2024: Posted an 18-9 overall record, including 7-7 with Laney Choboy and 6-0 with Merritt Beason...tied for highest individual single-season win total in school history

2024 AVCA Player of the Year Watchlist      2024 Preseason All Big Ten Team

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Nebraska's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Harper comes from an athletic family; her sister, Kendall, plays volleyball for Michigan.

9. Mimi Colyer - Outside Hitter, Oregon (Junior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

• AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
• AVCA All-Pacific North Region
• All-Pac-12 Team
• Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week (Aug. 28)
• Rainbow Wahine Classic MVP
• Preseason All-Pac-12 Team

- Named to the All-Pac-12 First Team
- Averaged 4.34 kills per set (10th in the nation)
- Hit .256 for the season
- Recorded 512 kills, ranking her among the top in Oregon history

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):

  - 3.92 kills per set average                        - 310 total kills
  - .256 hitting percentage                          -  2.18 digs per set average                      - 172 total dig                                              - .30  total aces/set percentage              -  24  total aces

- AVCA/Gamechanger Division I Player of the Week - Oct 14
- Big 10 Preseason Team

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Oregon's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Mimi has experience in beach volleyball, which contributes to her exceptional ball control and versatility on the indoor court.

10. Cara Cresse - Middle Blocker, Louisville (Redshirt Junior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

- Named to the All-ACC First Team
- Averaged 2.38 kills per set
- Hit an impressive .440 for the season
- Averaged 1.31 blocks per set
- Key player in Louisville's NCAA Tournament run

• AVCA All-East Region, 
• All-Pitt Regional, 
• Second Team All-ACC
• Offensive ACC Player of the Week 
• Defensive Player of the Week.

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):
 - 1.50 kills per set average                             - 117 total kills                                                   - .279 hitting percentage

 -1.51 blocks per set average                       -118 total blocks
- ACC Player of the Week awards: Oct 14, 2024

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Louisville's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Cara redshirted her first year at Louisville, using that time to develop her skills and study the college game, which has paid off in her on-court performance.

11. Emmy Klika - Libero, Pittsburgh (Senior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:
- AVCA All-American Honorable Mention
- AVCA All-East Coast Region Team (2023)
- All-ACC Second Team (2023)
- College Sports Communicators Academic All-District (2023)
- All-ACC Academic Team (2023)
- Averaged  digs per set
- Recorded total digs for the season
- Key player in Pitt's ACC championship and NCAA Tournament run

2024 Season (as of [11/10/2024]):
- 3.0 current digs per set average
- 234 total digs
- 
- [Placeholder for any senior year records approached or broken]

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Pittsburgh's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Emmy's defensive skills aren't limited to the volleyball court; she was also a standout soccer goalkeeper in high school.

12. Lexi Rodriguez - Libero, Nebraska (Junior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:
- Named AVCA First Team All-American
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
- Averaged 4.02 digs per set
- Recorded 474 total digs for the season
- Key player in Nebraska's Final Four appearance

2024 Season (as of [11/14/2024]):
- [3.699 digs per set average]
- [307 total digs]
- Two-time B1G Defensive Player of the Week awards

• AVCA All-America First Team 2023
• Academic All-America First Team (2023)
• AVCA All-Region Team (2021, 2022, 2023)
  • Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2021, 2023)
  • All-Big Ten First Team (2021, 2022, 2023)
• Academic All-District (2022, 2023, 2024)
  • Academic All-Big Ten (2022, 2023; Beach-2022, 2023, 2024)
  • Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2022, 2023; Spring 2021, 2024)
  • Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2022, 2023, 2024)

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Nebraska's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Lexi was the 2021 AVCA National Freshman of the Year, making an immediate impact in her collegiate career.

13. Elena Scott - Libero, Louisville (Junior)

2023 Season Notable Achievements:

• 2023 AVCA Defensive Player of the Year
• First team All-ACC 
• All Pitt Regional
• AVCA All-East Region
• AVCA Second Team All-American
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year
• Four-time Defensive Player of the Week.

Scott was First team All-ACC, All=Pitt Regional, AVCA All-East Region and AVCA Second Team All-American. She is the reigning AVCA Defensive Player of the Year and is ranked third all-time in digs.

One of the Cards' team captains, she is a three time All-East Region Selection, a two-time AVCA All-American and a three-time member of the All ACC Academic squad.

2024 Season (as of [11.10/2024]):
   - 4.75 digs per set average                       - 375 total digs                                             - digs percentage

 - 27 total aces                                             -.33 aces per set average

• Semifinalist AVCA Division I Player of the Year List
• Three time All-East Region Selection
• Two-time AVCA All-American
• Three-time member of the All ACC Academic squad.

- [Placeholder for any ACC Defensive Player of the Week awards]
- [Placeholder for any junior year records approached]

Player Impact:
[Existing impact statement to be adjusted based on 2024 stats once filled in]

Coach's Quote:
[Placeholder for a recent quote from Kentucky's head coach]

Fun Fact:
Elena is known for her exceptional serve receive skills, often being targeted by opponents but consistently delivering perfect passes.

As I wrap up our tour of the volleyball stars lighting up the 2024-2025 NCAA season, it's clear that the future of the sport is in phenomenal hands.

These 14 athletes represent not just the pinnacle of college volleyball today, but a glimpse into the future of the game at the highest levels.

From the thunderous kills of our outside hitters to the acrobatic saves of our liberos, each player on this list brings something unique to the court.

They're not just playing the game; they're elevating it, pushing boundaries, and inspiring the next generation of volleyball players.

But remember, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. The NCAA has a ton of talent, and new stars are emerging with every match. 

Who knows?

The next volleyball sensation might be warming up on the sidelines right now, ready to take the court by storm.

As the season progresses, keep your eyes on these players and their teams.

Watch how they evolve, how they handle the pressure of high-stakes matches, and how they rise to the challenges that come their way.

Their journeys are far from over, and the best is yet to come.

I want to hear from you! Who are your standout players this season?

Are there rising stars you think deserve recognition?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's keep the volleyball conversation going.

Remember, whether you're a player, a coach, or a fan, there's always something to learn from watching these exceptional athletes in action.

So grab your popcorn, tune in to the next match, and witness the magic of NCAA volleyball unfold before your eyes.

The 2024-2025 season is far from over, and if these players are any indication, we're in for one wild ride!

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